TWIN FALLS, ID (KMVT) The country of Burma is roughly located east of India and west of Thailand. More than 20 years ago, the military government renamed the country Myanmar, but many people around the world still call it Burma.

Burmese native Hawng Lum Tangbau says, "In my country, it's not a Christian country. Some people are non-Christian, so they don't accept the Christmas celebration. But in America, everywhere they celebrate for Christmas."

Tangbau says in the tiny village he's from, they celebrate Christmas by having what he calls "carol sings" all night long from December 20th through the 30th. He says people walk around the village with candles, singing carols to each house.

Tangbau says, "They give sometimes candy, they cook for us a porridge, something. All the people, the kids, get together. We sing just two or three songs for them and we pray for their year."

Tangbau says when he lived in Burma, he was very frightened. He says here in America, he's free to think and do what he wants.

Tangbau says Christmas presents are very expensive to buy in Burma, but he is amazed at the outpouring of gifts he received for his first Christmas in America. He also says he loves the food here.

Tangbau says, "God blessed me to be here and stay here in America. I'm so excited, thank you so much."

Dec. 29, 2011.