How are people celebrating Christmas in 2025?
Europe: Embracing Tradition and Embracing Technological Innovation
As the birthplace of Christmas, Europe's Christmas celebrations have always carried a rich historical heritage. In the 2025 Christmas season, the ingenious fusion of tradition and modern technology breathed new life into this ancient festival. At dawn on December 25th, St. Peter's Square in the Vatican hosted the annual Christmas Midnight Mass. Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message, themed "Unity and Coexistence," offering blessings to believers worldwide. Unlike previous years, this year's Mass was broadcast live in 4K ultra-high definition for the first time, simultaneously in multiple languages globally, allowing believers unable to attend in person to immerse themselves in the solemnity of the ceremony. In the square, tens of thousands of believers held environmentally friendly electronic candles, their light reflecting off the surrounding buildings, preserving the solemn atmosphere of traditional prayer while embodying green environmental protection principles. “The light from electronic candles is just as warm. This way, we can convey piety while also reducing the burden on the planet,” said Marco, a local resident, after attending Mass with his family. After the ceremony, they will return home to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, with classic dishes like roast turkey and Pantyton cake still taking center stage.
In Nuremberg, Germany, a nearly 700-year-old Christmas market saw a surge in visitors on December 25th. This place, known as the “mother of European Christmas markets,” not only retained traditional elements such as red-roofed wooden houses, handmade gingerbread, and mulled wine this year, but also added a special “Digital Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Area.” Visitors can use AR technology to closely observe the production process of intangible cultural heritage techniques such as wood carving and stained glass painting, and can also customize their own Christmas handicrafts online. Anna, the market's manager, explained, "In 2025, we hope to use technology to introduce traditional crafts to more young people. Since its opening, the market has received over 800,000 visitors, with those under 30 years old accounting for a 15% increase compared to last year. The number of tourists from Asian countries such as China and Japan has also increased significantly." The aroma of cinnamon in the air blends seamlessly with the novelty of technological experiences, making this ancient market a bridge between tradition and modernity.
On December 25th, the Christmas Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, was filled with a fairytale atmosphere. As the legendary home of Santa Claus, it launched the "Christmas Fantasy Journey" immersive experience this year, allowing visitors to "travel" to the icy world of the Arctic Circle using VR technology and interact with a virtual Santa Claus. Meanwhile, traditional offline activities such as reindeer sleigh rides and DIY Christmas cards remained popular. Data from the Rovaniemi Tourism Bureau shows that hotel bookings in the area increased by 42% year-on-year during the 2025 Christmas season, with international tourists accounting for over 65%, and Chinese tourists ranking first among international visitors. "I booked the trip three months in advance. Being able to spend Christmas in Santa's hometown and experience high-tech attractions is such a worthwhile trip," said Ms. Li, a tourist from China, excitedly holding a photo with "Santa Claus."
South America: Chinese Charity Writes a New Chapter of Cross-Cultural Warmth
During the 2025 Christmas season, the Chinese community in South America embodied the spirit of Christmas love through charitable actions, becoming a warm testament to cross-cultural exchange. On December 25th, local time, Chinese communities in cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, continued their Christmas charity tradition by carrying out multiple "Love Christmas" charity events. In the Vera Baslina community of São Paulo, five overseas Chinese organizations, including the China-Brazil Charity Foundation, jointly built an inflatable castle and a children's play area, providing toys, food, and Christmas gifts to nearly a thousand children in the community. Young overseas Chinese from the Hongen Bilingual School in Brazil also presented a dance performance and donated their toys to the children in the community, filling the venue with laughter and joy.
In Rio de Janeiro, the "Giving Roses Leaves a Lingering Fragrance" charity donation team, in conjunction with 30 Western Brazilian charitable organizations, delivered 900 basic food baskets, as well as over 60,000 markers, drawing books, basketballs, and other daily necessities and school supplies to local institutions for the disabled, nursing homes, and orphanages. The event raised over 94,000 reais, with donors including not only local Chinese residents in Rio de Janeiro, but also Chinese from cities such as São Paulo and Bahia, as well as returned overseas Chinese. Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly Vice President Tia Joo highly praised the Chinese community's charitable act: "The Chinese community's continuous philanthropic activities have set a good example for society and strengthened the power of humanitarian aid." In addition, 14 overseas Chinese organizations, including the Wenzhou Association of Brazil, visited several low-income communities, donating food and Christmas gifts to over 500 families, and held a joint celebration with the São Paulo Municipal Guard, bringing the Chinese community closer to the local society in a festive atmosphere.
Heartwarming Moments: Love and Protection in Ordinary Corners
The warmth of Christmas 2025 was not only reflected in grand celebrations and charitable activities, but also hidden in the daily lives of countless ordinary people. In Paris, France, a street performer brought his guitar to a homeless neighborhood on Christmas Eve, playing classic Christmas carols such as "Silent Night" and "Jingle Bells," and using donations from passersby to buy hot drinks and sandwiches to distribute to the homeless. "Christmas is a time for family reunions, and I hope these vulnerable groups can also feel cared for," the performer said. His actions attracted many passersby, who spontaneously gathered to sing along, filling the cold street with warmth.
In Wuhan, China, delivery rider Mr. Wang received a special order on Christmas Eve—the customer not only ordered a hot drink but also included a handwritten card and a pair of warm gloves. The card read, "Thank you for your hard work this winter. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Christmas." Mr. Wang was touched, saying, "After a busy day, receiving this gift is incredibly heartwarming. It makes me feel recognized and respected for my work." On social media, the hashtag #HeartwarmingChristmasMoments# has garnered over 200 million views, with netizens sharing their own touching holiday experiences: some delivered homemade gingerbread to their neighbors, some helped elderly people living alone decorate Christmas trees, and some gave up their seats on the subway for strangers. These ordinary acts filled the holiday with warmth and humanity.
In Sydney, Australia, many families chose to spend Christmas on the beach during the summer. A young couple brought a homemade Christmas meal to the beach and shared it with an elderly person living alone; children built "Christmas castles" on the sand and invited tourists from different countries to play. "Regardless of skin color or language, everyone shares the same pursuit of warmth and joy," said Thomas, a Sydney resident. He added that this kind of Christmas was filled with pure happiness.
Conclusion
The Christmas bells of December 25, 2025, have long since faded, but the warmth and emotion they left behind linger. On this day, tradition and modernity blended, technology and humanity coexisted, and love and goodwill transcended geographical, racial, and linguistic boundaries, spreading globally. From the digital display of intangible cultural heritage in Europe to the overseas flourishing of Chinese dance dramas, from the charitable acts of the Chinese community in Brazil to the mutual support among ordinary people, Christmas 2025 once again proved that Christmas has long transcended religious and geographical limitations, becoming a cultural symbol embodying humanity's shared aspirations for a better future. In an era full of change and challenges, this pursuit of love, peace, and hope will ultimately become a force illuminating the path forward, accompanying people as they welcome the new year.
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