Christmas in East Timor is one of the most important festivals. The Christmas day there is a national holiday and marks the time when everybody and everything seems to be in the festive mood.
East Timor gained independence in the year 2002 from Indonesia and, today, it happens to be one of the Roman Catholic Asian countries. Ninety percent of the population of East Timor is Roman Catholic.
Christmas in East Timor is awaited with eagerness by all. The celebration of this festival is marked by the exchange of gifts. Besides, Christmas in East Timor also consists of certain symbolic events like the display of the Nativity scenes and the use of holly and the Christmas tree. Nativity scene depicts Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar, who were the three wise men.
They are shown as presenting the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Christmas tree is decorated with ornaments and lights. Christmas in East Timor brings in the feeling of love and peace.
Christmas in East Timor also sees the arrival of Santa Claus with gifts either on the eve of Christmas or in the morning.