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@SaniaJelic/EyeEm
A group of children dance in a performance organized by a local church to raise money after Typhoon Bopha on the island of Bohol in the Philippines.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

How countries around the world celebrate the end of the year

By Johnny Simon

The end of the year is a special time for people all around the world. Even where Christmas is not celebrated, red Santa caps, decorated trees and gift giving abound, mixed with religious and secular aspects of local holiday culture. This year, Quartz partnered with photo-sharing community EyeEm, to ask local photographers from London to Japan to show how they prepare for winter holidays. Here are their answers:

Milan, Italy

A man overlooks a Christmas market while walking along the Navigli of Milan.
@mattchinaski/EyeEM
A man overlooks a Christmas market while walking along the Navigli of Milan.

Strasbourg, France

The Strasbourg Christmas market, the oldest in Europe.
@miccoliofficial/EyeEm
The Strasbourg Christmas market, the oldest in Europe.

Cologne, Germany

Christmas trees for sale at an open air market in Cologne, Germany.
@cobaltstock/EyeEm
Christmas trees for sale at an open air market in Cologne, Germany.

Bohol, Philippines

A group of children dance in a performance organzied by a local church to raise money after Typhoon Bopha on the island of Bohol in the Philippines.
@SaniaJelic/EyeEm
A group of children dance in a performance organized by a local church to raise money after Typhoon Bopha on the island of Bohol in the Philippines.

Miyoshi, Japan

A reveler lights a sparkler in Miyoshi, Japan
@esspeshal/EyeEm
A reveler lights a sparkler in Miyoshi, Japan

Cali, Colombia

A child in Cali, Colombia partakes in Dia de las Velitas, a tradition celebrated on eve of the Immaculate Conception in December.
@CakeTanaka
A child in Cali, Colombia partakes in Dia de las Velitas, a tradition celebrated on eve of the Immaculate Conception in December.

Eltham, Australia

The photographer holds up a shot of Jagermeister in Australia, which typically boasts warm and sunny Christmases. Eltham, Vic, Australia @petersawers
@petersawers/EyeEm
The photographer holds up a shot of Jagermeister during a Christmas lunch in Eltham, Victoria, Australia.

London, UK

@eachat/EyeEm
The 2015 Santa Skate in London near Knightsbridge.

Tokyo, Japan

A holiday street scene in Shibuya, Tokyo.
@kt_pics/EyeEm
A holiday street scene in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Lugano, Switzerland

Decorated balconies in Lugano, Switzerland.
@Elena_Ph/EyeEm
Decorated balconies in Lugano, Switzerland.

Auckland, New Zealand

@debbieu Wintertime decorations in Auckland, New Zealand, where Christmas is typically warm.
@debbieu/EyeEm
@debbieu Wintertime decorations in Auckland, New Zealand, where Christmas is typically warm.

Lisbon, Portugal

Decorations in Lisbon, Portugal's historical Alfama district.
@irasimonova/EyeEm
Decorations in Lisbon, Portugal’s historical Alfama district.

Nijmegen, Netherlands

Wrapped presents in the Netherlands.
@FrameMePleasePics/EyeEm
@FrameMePleasePics Nijmegen (the Netherlands)

Bucharest, Romania

A holiday market in Bucharest, Romania.
@GryllusMinimus/EyeEm
A holiday market in Bucharest, Romania.

Durango, Mexico

A window inDurango, Mexico.
@cavazte/EyeEm
A window in Durango, Mexico.

Singapore

@merpig/EyeEm
An enormous Christmas decoration in front of ION Shopping Mall, Orchard Road, Singapore.