NEWS//Christmas in China

Growing numbers of Chinese are celebrating. But the number of Chinese who recognize Christmas as the celebration of the Savior’s birth is very small.

Christmas decorations

In China’s cities, Christmas trees, lights, and other decorations are common sights in stores. That is because the merchants promote the gift-giving aspect of the holiday.

Santa is popular. He has been renamed Shèngdàn Lǎorén (pronouced shnng-dan laoww-rnn, 圣诞老人). Translated the name means “Old Christmas Man.”

Christmas parties and gifts

Some people organize Christmas parties. Parties might be held at a friend's house, McDonald's, a karaoke cafe, restaurant, or bar. There is a festive atmosphere, and people enjoy the decorations and unusual music. Many younger Chinese see it as a romantic holiday for couples to exchange gifts and date.

Christmas trees

The Western tradition of Christmas trees has not caught on in China. The Christmas trees that are put up are usually plastic. They are decorated with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns (they might also call it a tree of light).

WhyChristmas.com observes, “The strange thing is that most of the world's plastic Christmas trees and Christmas decorations are made in China, but the people making them might not have decorations like them in their own homes at Christmas!”

Sources: Why Christmas, China Highlights, How Stuff Works, The Holiday Spot