South Korea celebrates Christmas with many of the trappings of western nations, including colourful displays, gift giving, and parties, but with its own unique twist, according to 91Ô­´´ resident Dae Sík (Paul) Kim.

Korea has modelled its Christmas on western culture, but many include a romantic aspect, almost akin to Valentine's Day, when many try to find boyfriends or girlfriends. And activities are not centred on Dec. 25.

"We don't have any specific period for Christmastime," he added.

There are plenty of eye-catching holiday displays in public spaces. Around Christmas in the nation of 51 million, there is the expectation to go out and socialize with co-workers, and the expectation for people to help charities. He noted that the Salvation Army is big there.

Gift giving of modest items is an other key aspect of Christmas celebrations in Korea. Kim said people of all ages love to receive money while young people love to receive cosmetics or toiletries.

In contrast, New Years and Thanksgiving in Korea have a real focus on time with family.

There are foods associated with Christmas but with a Korea-twist. Many families enjoy Korean chicken and Kim said many families enjoy pizza around the holidays. But the Asian nation has not adopted typically western holiday foods – turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, etc.

"Koreans, we don't have any specific food for Christmas time," he said. "But everybody loves sharing [lavishly decorated] cakes."

The 53-year-old, his wife, and two sons moved to 91Ô­´´ in 2013. The boys, now 22 and 19, have graduated from R.E. Mountain Secondary, and are now studying at Royal Military College in Ontario. Kim works for Bethesda Christian Association in its Tapestry Inclusion Program as a community support worker, the kind of human services job that he said doesn't exist in Korea. He studied special needs education at Douglas College and has been a support worker for three years.

With the boys away, Christmas for the Willoughby resident is focused on church and helping others. Active in the Hebron Presbyterian Korean Church on Glover Road in Milner, he and his wife will once again be opening their home to many single people or others away from family during the holidays. He explained that there are people experiencing loneliness or homesickness and they like to invite them for an evening of familiar foods, fellowship, gifts, and games.

The church elder explained that about one third of Koreans are Christian with most others being Buddhist. Both he and his wife were raised Buddhist, but as young adults, joined the Christian church and that impacts how they honour Christmas.

He said key for his keeping of Christmas is gratitude to God and to Jesus.

"I want to keep my faith… so Christmas has a very big meaning for me," he said.