How Christmas Conquered Buddhist Bangkok
Merry Christmas!
When we first arrived in Thailand some 10+ years ago, not a piece of tinsel could be found.
And why would it?
As a country made up of primarily Buddhists and Muslims, the 25th December is just another day.
But by Christmas 2023, just before we finally left to start our journey as full time nomads, the place was buzzing with Christmas cheer.
From the ostentatious Christmas displays in Bangkok to the oversized Christmas trees in the shopping malls of Phuket.
Christmas lunches, gifts, parties, music, discounts and decorations. You couldn't move for Christmas themed antics.
And bearing in mind it's 30 degrees all year round, there was something a little strange seeing the Thai people in shorts, tees and Santa hats...
But while as a westerner it was great to see how much they embraced the fun side of the tradition of Christmas, and it certainly made shopping and celebrating much easier, it was of course driven by commercialism.
Once they realised how much money Christmas celebrations brought in, retailers and businesses went all out. From the luxury malls to the local markets, everyone jumped on the Christmas bandwagon.
But you know what. Good for them.
The Thai people suffered in ways I will likely never experience through Covid.
Livelihoods were lost, businesses boarded up and many reached the point of starvation.
We were handing out food kits from the back of trucks, paid for and put together by expats lucky enough to be living in this beautiful country during the lock down periods.
So, if they're able to find prosperity by embracing another culture's celebration, then more power to them!
And as someone who is not religious (although fascinated by the topic), my feeling is that although the ethos of Christmas is of course a religious celebration, it's evolved into something more universal.
These days the season to be jolly is a time when people, regardless of their faith, choose to be a little kinder, a little more generous, and a little more focused on others.
In a world that often feels divided, there's something beautiful about seeing a Buddhist monk smile at children lining up to meet Santa, or watching Muslim families enjoy the sparkle of Christmas lights in a shopping mall.
As we celebrate our first Christmas as digital nomads, I find myself reflecting on how traditions evolve, adapt and are interpreted across different cultures.
And maybe that's what makes them meaningful.
Not so much their purity, but their ability to bring people together, even if it starts with something as simple as a piece of tinsel in a Bangkok mall.
Have a wonderful Christmas, wherever you are in the world! 🎄🧑🎄🥳🎉
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