Merry Christmas

Here's a positive note about Christmas in Bali -- they love anything that is religious. Any religion will do. Therefore, there are no laws against Christmas lights or Christmas displays or the display of nativity scenes or what have you. Everyone is welcomed, and there is a general inclination to humbly learn about beliefs rather than prohibit them. Of course, there is a common sense line that ought not to be crossed. During a Hindu ceremony, for instance, invasion by Jehovah's Witness folks armed with pamphlets is not appreciated. Not long ago, this particular group aggressively disrupted one of the major temple ceremonies -- which is totally not cool. Respect and be respected. At the malls and at the coffee shops, specifically Christian music is played (as opposed to Santa Claus and reindeer and jingle bell songs, which, of course, are also played). One will hear Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels, Silent Night -- all the classics. And there is no problem at all with saying Merry Christmas -- Selamat Hari Natal. They don't know any other greeting. By the same token, we will all say Selamat Hari Galungan (Hinduism) and Selamat Idul Fitri (Islam). They don't say 'Happy Holidays'. They don't know what it means.