Christmas Day in Vanuatu

History and Traditions: Christmas Day in Vanuatu reflects its history as a former Anglo-French condominium known as the New Hebrides, before it gained independence in 1980. The holiday combines traditional Christian elements, due to missionary influence, with local customs.

Celebrations:

• Church Services: As a predominantly Christian nation, many ni-Vanuatu attend church services on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Feasting: Families gather for large feasts which often include local dishes like laplap (a traditional baked pudding) and seafood.
• Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts is a common practice, influenced by Western traditions.
• Music and Dance: Traditional music and dance can be part of the celebrations, sometimes blending with Christian hymns and carols.

Public Life:

• Christmas Day is a public holiday in Vanuatu. Government offices, businesses, and schools are closed.
• Some tourist facilities may remain open to cater to visitors.

Community Aspect: The communal nature of ni-Vanuatu society means that celebrations are often community-focused with shared meals and collective participation in events or church services.