Wednesday, December 22, 2010

What makes Korean Christmas unique?

Here's the question:
I'm putting together a funny email for my family and was wondering if you knew any unique Christmas traditions that Koreans celebrate. 
That's a pretty general question and I'm sure that whatever I list has been listed millions of times by others. So, I'm going to avoid most of the commercially-imported stuff along with the mandatory Christmas accessory (boyfriend/girlfriend) , Christmas cakes and the gigantic Coca-Cola advertisement that is Gangnam.


I think the most unique part of Korean Christmas is that instead of putting gifts under the tree, many Koreans put gifts next to the heads and/or on the pillows of their sleeping loved ones.  


Anyone care to add something unique to that list?

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Today I asked my high-level first-grade class, "What is Christmas?" Sally said, "A fun day in winter." May said, "Yesu-nim's birthday." Most of the kids seemed to agree with Sally.

I don't really have a specific tradition. I just think that it's natural for a country obsessed with lights, sparkly things, pretty food and sing-alongs to be all about some Christmas. ^_^

Chris in South Korea said...

I would simply say that the typical Korean would expect to spend December 25th with their significant other and December 31st with their family.

Unique traditions? You're more likely to find those on a family-to-family basis around the US, Canada, or other countries that have celebrated the holidays for centuries.

milla04 said...

wow! Thanks so much for the update out there. As its the new year everyone is thinking of new year resolutions that can improving their lifestyle and others including love life, health, entertainment, family. I will be digging deep with reviews helping everyone out. I highly recommend this. Thanks again. : ) check out my site @ fat2burn.net

Darren

Anonymous said...

I agree with Chris. As a Korean American, we spend Christmases with our family. This is clearly something my parents followed with American tradition. Although they didn't understand the Santa concept in time for me, they figured it out in time for my younger sister.

However, after spending holidays with Koreans in Korea, I found that they spend the day with their significant others. Those that are single- it's a normal day where you pine for a bf/gf, just like the other twelve holidays in Korea that are meant for couples :) Or - those single friends all get together to celebrate as well. Very rarely do I hear anything about family Christmas traditions.

Unknown said...

nice post..!!!!

Thanks..

www.acornsales.com

thanida said...

Thank You very. keep going nice article. Its not opening. Want to know more about it.
ufabet

Jack Lucas said...

First, I want to complement this site administrator for creating this platform I frequently get cold sores(which lasts for 5-6 days on my lips and its painful both physically and mentally) .. As a bodybuilder, I basically get outbreak due to the daily pressure and heat in the body.. Recently I stumbled upon my salvation. I found a herbal remedy to cure hsv completely, in just 4weeks ..

I got to know about Dr Utu after seeing a lady's testimony online. I reached the doctor and I ordered for herpes herbal medicine. He sent the herbs to me and I started making use of them. In just 2days, the cold sores are cleared. 4weeks after medication, I went to the hospital for test of cold sores and it was completely NEGATIVE.

By following every prescription, i was able to cure my cold sore in less than 4weeks. 100% natural herbs no after effect.
Note: Please do let others know if this work for you.
The doctor's email is drutuherbalcure@gmail.com
Note : follow all instructions accordingly..

If you are sure that you have benefited from this African herbs be courageous to inform others.
Thanks in advance