How people in China celebrate Christmas
Christmas in China has been steadily gaining popularity, especially in major cities, although it is not a public holiday. There are some commons for Christmas in China.
A Romantic Holiday:
Many young Chinese people regard Christmas as a form of Valentine’s Day, a time for couples to exchange gifts and go on dates. Ice skating and amusement parks are popular spots during the festival.
Commercial Value:
Christmas has a significant commercial value in China. Various promotional activities are held in shops and shopping malls, and restaurants offer Christmas dinners on Christmas Eve. It is a shopping day for Chinese retailers and restaurants.
Giving Apples:
Interestingly, sending apples as gifts to friends on Christmas Eve is one of the traditions of Chinese Christmas. The word for apple in Chinese, “苹果” (Ping Guo), sounds like the word for peace, “平安” (Ping An), which is why apples are given as a symbol of peace and safety.
Decorations:
Many urban areas in China are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and other festive embellishments. Some people also make paper lanterns or launch fireworks into the night sky as a celebration of Christmas.
International corporations may decorate for Christmas, and Chinese companies with export businesses decorate for Christmas to show their clients and international friends.
Religious festival:
Chinese Christians do a religious activity and pray to Jesus on Christmas day. Many of them gather in churches, in large cities in China, they are sacred and pray. Decoration in churches, Christmas meals, wishes, and communication.
Celebrating Christmas Around the World
Christmas is celebrated around the world in many different ways. Some common traditions include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, attending church services, and eating special holiday meals. Here are some ways people celebrate Christmas:
Decorating the Christmas Tree:
People choose between a live tree or an artificial one. They string lights on the tree and add garlands, such as ones made of tinsel, popcorn, or cranberries. They put their favorite ornaments on the tree, such as Christmas balls, stars, or any small trinket.
Hanging Stockings:
Traditionally, kids would hang their socks (stockings) over the mantle for Santa to leave toys and other small gifts in.
Brightening Homes with Christmas Lights:
People line the roofs of their houses with lights or thread them through bushes or around their trees. Inside, they hang them on the mantle, across bookshelves, or along the length of a wall near the ceiling.
Exchanging Gifts:
Gift-giving is a major part of the Christmas celebration. It’s a way to show love and appreciation to family and friends.
Attending Church Services:
Many Christians attend special church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Eating Special Holiday Meals:
Food plays a big part in the Christmas celebration. Many families prepare special meals that are only made during the Christmas season.
In conclusion, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. It’s a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and to spend time with loved ones. Whether you celebrate Christmas for its religious significance or as a cultural holiday, it’s a time of year filled with joy, love, and goodwill.
As I heard from my friends, Christmas is very important holiday in the country he is living, and people in that country go home and attend family reunions. They ate Christmas meal with toasted turkey and chose gifts under the family Christmas tree. Some people in that country like to send Christmas letters by mail, and friends and relatives can receive Christmas letters before or on Christmas day.
All in all, I wish that everyone has a joyful and happiness on the Christmas holiday.
Reference:
https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-the-meaning-of-christmas.html