Tonga (Decorated by Ruth Parry)

Merry Christmas – Kilisimasi Fiefia

In Tonga, everywhere shuts down from Christmas Day until New Year’s Day. Christmas is celebrated by everyone and it is the country where Christmas day dawns first.

The highlight of Christmas on Tonga is the tutukupakanava, when coconut husks are lined up on the beach and set alight to represent the island’s Christmas lights.

Christmas trees are usually taken from the backyard and decorated with balloons and candy.

On Christmas day, Tongans make plates of food to exchange with or give to their neighbours.