There is no doubt that Christmas is known worldwide as the precious holiday of our Jesus birth. When we take in cultural norms, ethnic heritage, lifestyle, and a thousand little variables, there is no limit to the chance encounters of new things in the season.
In the broader sense of the holiday between the east and the west, one could see a few common factors between the two. (It at times may take a few years to comprehend those ideas). From those factors have come forth some traditions in Cambodia, setting forth its own pattern, just like in America.
Despite the diversity in both cultural and economic differences, both the US (seeing this author is American) and Cambodia use Christmas as a time to strengthen connections, be it through, faith, family, or community.
I see the Cambodian Christian celebrations as being very simplistic, echoing humility and generosity, which showcases the values of early Christianity. Americans show a blending of tradition of its ethnic melting pot and modern trends, both personal and community.
The Meaning of Christmas
In Cambodia is predominately Buddhist as yet, so Christmas is not traditionally celebrated. People still go to work, school is still in session, and daily life is about the same. One does not see the preparation of anything special in a general sense. For Christians in this country, Christmas takes a bit of rearranging one’s schedule to do community. To many locals, it may seem like a foreign tradition, but as Christianity has grown through missionary work, it’s become one of the best opportunities to share the gospel. So Khmer folk will use this as a spiritual opportunity to share the Jesus’ story to those who do not know it. Some even use it as a time for a party or fancy outdoor decorations. (like my tuk tuk driver).
In the US, Christmas is both a religious and a cultural holiday. It is about Jesus, and about families gathering together for gifts, a large meal, and taking the day off to celebrate. It is also deeply connected to the story of Jesus’ birth with services, nativity plays, and advent.
In both countries there are selling of commercial products as early as October in the US, November in Cambodia, in the retail sector.
Decorations
In Cambodia are usually limited to public areas, churches and missionary run events. Homes usually do not have a Christmas tree or an artificial tree. Places catering to tourists will decorate the season in their public space.
In the US, public spaces feature festive displays, neighborhoods decorate their outside their homes and are a hallmark of the season. It is both extensive and elaborate.
Homes are decked out in various levels, both inside and out.
Food
Cambodia churches go to great length and expense to give not only to their church members, but also the local community, a meal in a communal setting. The local church network will come together to prepare dishes. In town there are dishes with seasoned meats in a vegetable sauce, a soup, rice, and sometimes noodles.Rurally, for years, there had always been a huge vat of curry that cooked for hours over a wood fire that was served over a bowl of rice. There is sometimes fruit. The whole idea is that the event is the time for hospitality and community spirit.
In the US, traditional meals may include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and luscious desserts as pumpkin or apple pie or traditional Christmas cookies. In this instance, traditions will play a huge roll and vary by region and family ethnic traditions. It is often a
casual buffet, or maybe making cookies or gingerbread houses together. Each family is a different mold.
Gifts
Cambodia pulls out the red carpet for Christmas into the community. Not only is there a festive meal, but there is a very long church service of maybe three hours or so (depending on rubber time) where everyone who wants to sing, perform, or dance can do so. Then after the church service, and the meal, the tables are cleared and dancing begins. And games. A community spirit of fun.
Dancing is done in traditional style; you are singular in a circle or so, implementing the traditional apsara style of movement and hand gestures. You would think it was easily watching others do it, but after a while, the humidity does remind you of its presence when you join in with them.
In the midst of this, there are games where you can win a prize with the ‘number’ on a card that you were given earlier. Prizes are simple as laundry detergent, dish soap, a fan, bed covering, or toiletries being the prize. Acts of kindness prevail amongst the community to bring joy in the ‘simple’ things of daily life. The excitement is genuine and fills the air as the winning numbers are called; it is almost like winning the lottery to this American girl.
Practical and special are all rolled into the time of community togetherness.
I don’t think I need to elaborate on the gift giving frenzy that goes on in the US.
Religious Implication and Observance
For Christian communities in Cambodia, Christmas is deeply spiritual. It is a time to share Jesus. It is also a time to evangelize.
Stateside, while some families emphasize attending church services, others now may focus on secular traditions. There are multiple church services either for Christmas Eve or day. Many times there are candlelight services on Christmas Eve.
Community
Community is the heart of Cambodian Christmas celebrations. Churches will at times organize events during that time that involve both believers and nonbelievers. Sometimes there is an outreach of providing food to the needy.
For the US, while there is a sense of community, celebrations are typically centered around family. Food banks and charitable organizations traditionally do special drives during this time to give a bit of spirit to those who need it. There are Christmas markets, bazaars, and gatherings of groups along the days.
I have no clue how to end this article, other than to share my own personal experiences two worlds apart. Christmas in Cambodia has offered opportunities for cultural exchange, but there is also a sense that Cambodia has taught me the spiritual and communal essence of the holiday, giving the opportunity for cross-cultural understanding embracing and mirror into the future.
