Chinese Christmas – How the Chinese Celebrate Christmas

Although Christmas is a Christian celebration, it can be felt all over the world. Sometimes, even people who are not Christians celebrate the occasion, maybe because they believe in the message of hope that Christmas brings. For example, Chinese people celebrate Christmas, even though most of them are Buddhists. However, a Chinese Christmas may be different from the traditional Christmas celebrations made by people from other parts of the world.

Chinese Christmas, for one, is not considered a national holiday in Mainland China because the Christians in China comprise only about 1 percent of the population. The Chinese New Year is still considered the foremost celebration during the winter time. Moreover, during this season, there are many different celebrations that occur all over China and these celebrations sometimes overlap with or overpower the Christmas celebration. In fact, if one lived in China about 20 years ago, they would not find signs of a Chinese Christmas, except for the presence of snow. However, at the present, it would seem that Christmas in China has grown in popularity. Today, if one goes to China during the holiday season, one will find signs of Christmas, such as lights covering buildings and houses, the presence of Christmas trees in malls and other public spaces, and decorations all over the place.

When it comes to traditions such as gift giving, card sending, and the hanging of stockings, more and more Chinese people are beginning to practice them, no matter what religious denomination. Another difference of a Chinese Christmas to those celebrated in other countries includes a different name for Santa Claus and the use of paper ornaments to decorate trees.

For those who are traveling to China who want to experience a Chinese Christmas, the best destinations would be Hong Kong and Macau. In these places, Christmas is a public holiday and one can see that the cities are very festive and well-decorated. Some of the best Christmas decorations, displays, and firework spectacles can be found in these cities. Their preparations for the holiday season rival that of cities such as New York and London and being there can truly be something to remember.