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We bring to you what Christmas looks like around different Asian countries! We have always wondered how other countries celebrate, Christmas, especially in the shipping industry. PTI has taken a look at the three fastest growing ports in the world – Colombo, Singapore and Guangzhou – to see how sailors, ports workers and their families will be celebrating Christmas. Singapore Singapore was the second fastest growing port in the world, growing by 11.6% in the first half of 2018. This year has reported seeing them improve their relationship with its neighbouring countries, specifically China. One of the largest logistics and transportation projects in the country is the Southern Transport Corridor (STC). When Christmas comes round, the country takes a break and observes it as a national holiday. The build-up to the big day is similar to many western countries, with shopping centres and businesses offering promotions that tie into the festivities. Colombo, Sri Lanka The Port of Colombo was given the title of “The fastest growing port in the world” in September 2018. Between January and June this year (2018), when compared to the same period in 2017, the port grew by 15.6%. It was the first time ever that it finished top of a maritime performance ranking, a remarkable achievement that saw it leap ahead of the major ports in Asia, Europe and the Americas. While Sri Lanka is mainly a Buddhist country, Christmas is still celebrated on a grand scale across the country and December 25 is a public holiday. They prepare for Christmas from on December 1, with firecrackers being let off at dawn and Christmas trees a common sight in cities and towns throughout the country. In Sri Lanka, Santa Claus is called Naththal Seeya. The very first people to mark Christmas in Sri Lanka were Portuguese merchants in the early 16th century. Dutch and British and influence thereafter meant the holiday was never missed. Guangzhou, China Guangzhou is considered to be China’s fourth busiest port and third fastest growing in the world. It is pivotal to China’s economic growth and its “Belt and Road Initiative” - a US$900 billion scheme made to stimulate free trade. In the first half of this year, it grew by 8.6% and was followed by Antwerp and Xiamen in the rankings. In October, the city celebrated 40 years of China’s ‘Open Door’ policy and the decision in 1978 to liberalise the economy. Christmas is celebrated by a small number of people in China and goes by the name of Shen Dan Jieh, which literally translates as ‘Holy Birth Festival.’ Christians decorate their homes with evergreens, posters and bright paper chains. Families put up Christmas tree – which is called ‘tree of light,’ and they decorate it with a beautiful lantern. However, the main festival in China is the Chinese lunar New, which begins in late January or early February, which lasts for three days.