Christmas, the happiest time of the year when the nip in the air bring the sudden joy of year and breaking free of rules set throughout the year. Christmas however, it looked down upon in countries for their personal cultural sentiments and socio-political bias and has, in turn, banned the celebration of Christmas. Some of the countries here had banned the celebration of Christmas for a while but revived it with the change of political party in power.

Here`s a list of countries which have banned Christmas in the past.

 Brunei

The Sultan of Brunei has banned Christmas public celebrations of Christmas, warning that putting up festive decorations or singing carols could threaten the country`s Muslim faith. celebrations in public and imposed fines and imprisonment on those who were caught doing so. Santa Claus hats, candles, religious hymns and decorations were banned in particular.

Tajikistan

A decree by the education ministry prohibits “the use of fireworks, festive meals, gift-giving and raising money” over new year as well as “the installation of a Christmas tree either living (felled wood) or artificial” in schools and universities. In 2014, the government also banned Santa Claus.Tajikistan also bans Halloween.

 Saudi Arabia

In 2015 the government re-iterated their anti-Christmas stance in state media newspaper Arab News when it came to light that government hospitals allowed non-Muslim employees to celebrate Christmas within its compound. Expatriates are known to celebrate the festival secretly, Christmas celebrations - or any religious functions - are not encouraged in Saudi Arabia.

North Korea

Though North Korea has a hostile attitude towards Christmas although it has not officially banned the festival. An atheist country strictly under the reign of Kim Jong II, North Korea doesn`t allow them any Christmas service for the believers. It even went to the extent of declaring war on South Korea when the later planted a Christmas tree at their border. On the contrary, Christmas Eve is celebrated in North Korea as the birthday of the Sacred Mother of Revolution, Kim Jong II`s mother.

Somalia

The country that is struck by severe poverty and hunger has banned the celebration of Christmas, warning that such Christian festivities could threaten the nation`s Muslim faith. Security agencies have been directed to stay alert to stop any gatherings.

It might stun you but countries that have the best celebration of Christmas around the world has once banned Christmas. England has once banned Christmas when English military and political leader Oliver Cromwell, a Protestant leader overthrew the monarchy and executed King Charles I during the English Civil War. Christmas finally returned to London after Cromwell`s death in 1658, and Restoration two years later.

Similarly, in the USA, Christianity was banned by the Puritans. They even went on to call the celebration of Christmas `Foolstide`. The ban was lifted in 1689 and now the country takes the lead in rejoicing Christmas.