Brent Crane

Amidst the onslaught of holiday tunes, Santa-hat-wearing waiters and Yuletide-themed events throughout Phnom Penh, it can be hard to imagine a December in the capital unaffected by Christmas cheer.

But a look back in recent history shows a city largely unconcerned with eggnog or Saint Nick. Christmas first came to the Kingdom with the French, but according to Australian historian Milton Osborne, at that time the celebration was mostly overshadowed by New Year’s.

“Clara Malraux [wife of French novelist Andre Malraux] gives an account in her memoirs of New Year’s celebrations on December 31, 1923 while they were living in the Hotel Manolis in the Post Office Square — all very standard stuff, much drinking and singing of Auld Lang Syne after midnight,” he said.

read more: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/post-weekend/oral-history-christmas-cambodia

A cultural event that i can do without.

Cambodia,Thailand and other simalar countries dont celebrate Christmas. It's not there religion. But they jump on the bandwagon to make extra profit and you cant blame them for that.

Most of modern Christmas celebration is not in any way religious. Decorating trees, Santa Claus, presents for the children...it is simply fun, and people enjoy it.