As the world counted down the hours to Christmas Day, three countries in the Asia-Pacific region got a head start on the festive celebrations.
Australia, China, and New Zealand welcomed Christmas Day ahead of the rest of the world, thanks to their unique geographical locations.
In Australia, Christmas Day dawned bright and early, with families gathering for traditional barbecues and beach trips. The country’s iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, were decked out in festive lights and decorations.
Meanwhile, in China, Christmas is not a traditional holiday, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing were aglow with festive lights and decorations, and many restaurants and cafes offered special Christmas menus.
New Zealand, which is one of the first countries in the world to see the sunrise, welcomed Christmas Day with a stunning display of fireworks and festivities. The country’s famous Hobbiton Movie Set, a popular tourist attraction, was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with snowflakes, festive lights, and Christmas decorations.
As the rest of the world waited for Christmas Day to arrive, these three countries were already basking in the joy and spirit of the festive season.
“It’s always exciting to be one of the first countries to celebrate Christmas,” said Emily Chen, a student from Sydney. “We get to kick off the festive season ahead of everyone else, and it’s a great feeling.”
As the day unfolded, people across Australia, China, and New Zealand came together with family and friends to share in the joy and magic of Christmas. And as the rest of the world slowly joined in the celebrations, these three countries were already well into the festive spirit.