Christmas in China is not a traditional or widely celebrated holiday, as Christianity is not the dominant religion in the country. However, Christmas has gained popularity in China in recent years, particularly in urban areas, and it is often seen as a festive occasion rather than a religious one. Here's how Christmas is celebrated in China:
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, shopping malls, stores, and businesses in major Chinese cities are often adorned with Christmas decorations, lights, and ornaments. Christmas trees, tinsel, and Santa Claus figures are common sights.
The practice of giving gifts is becoming more popular, especially among young people and in the context of relationships. While gift-giving is not as widespread as in some Western countries, it is a growing trend in urban areas.
December 24th, Christmas Eve, is more widely celebrated in China than Christmas Day itself. It is seen as a time for gatherings and celebrations, often with friends and loved ones. Many people go out for dinner, attend parties, or enjoy shopping and entertainment.
Christmas is sometimes seen as a romantic holiday, similar to Valentine's Day. Couples exchange gifts and enjoy romantic dinners. It is not uncommon for marriage proposals to occur on Christmas Eve.
Santa Claus, or "Shengdan Laoren" in Mandarin, is a popular figure in China. Malls and stores often have Santa Claus figures for photo opportunities, and children may receive small gifts from Santa. Christmas trees, both real and artificial, are commonly displayed in public spaces and homes.
In some cities, particularly where there are significant expatriate communities, church services and Christmas Mass are held for the Christian population.
Some Chinese cities, especially in commercial and tourist areas, feature elaborate Christmas light displays and decorations. These displays attract both local residents and tourists.
Christmas markets, inspired by European traditions, have started to appear in China. These markets offer festive foods, crafts, and gifts.
Many Western-style restaurants offer special Christmas menus, and it's common for people to enjoy a meal at such establishments on Christmas Eve.
Concerts, musical performances, and other entertainment events are often held around the Christmas season, providing opportunities for people to celebrate and enjoy the holiday spirit.
It's important to note that Christmas in China is more of a commercial and cultural celebration rather than a religious one. The holiday has been embraced as a time for festivities, shopping, and social gatherings, and it is especially popular among younger generations and in urban areas.
Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. Both Hong Kong and Macau designate Christmas as a public holiday on December 25. Both are former colonies of Western powers with (nominal) Christian cultural heritage. But in China, December 25 is not a legal holiday. The one percent of Chinese citizens who consider themselves Christians unofficially, and usually privately, observe Christmas. But with the world becoming a global village, Christmas has now become a festive occasion for an increasing number of Chinese as well. It is worth noting how commercial Christmas decorations, signs, and other symbolic items have become increasingly prevalent during the month of December in large urban centers of mainland China, reflecting a cultural interest in this Western phenomenon, and, sometimes, as part of retail marketing schemes. Arrival of winter marks the celebration of Christmas in China. People decorate their homes with dazzling Christmas lights, beautiful Christmas tree and mouth watering Christmas recipes. Christmas trees are called "trees of light" and are also decorated with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns. Children hang up muslin stockings in hopes that Dun Che Lao Ren (China's Santa) will visit and fill them with presents. Stores have men dressed as Santa Claus handing out candy and waitresses with Santa hats. The booming commercialism which has spread outward from Beijing has been called a Chinese phenomenon. It started out as a friendly gesture or business ploy aimed at Christian visitors.
Giving gifts is an integral part of the Christmas celebrations, and it is no exception in China. People exchange beautiful Christmas gifts with each other. These Christmas gift are the ideal way to express your love and care to the loved ones.
Christmas celebrations signify spreading and happiness to the loved ones. In China, people begin their Christmas celebrations with beautiful Christmas decorations. Christmas decorations usually incorporate lighting houses, using beautiful paper lanterns, paper flowers and lanterns. Another major highlight of Christmas celebrations are the local festivals in China. People participate in this festival. According to Chinese tradition, people go to Church. In China, the most important winter festival is Spring Festival. During this festival, children are gifted new clothes, mouth-watering meal, small toys and firecracker. Worshipping ancestors is the major part of this festival.
Although Christianity is unofficial in China, there are an estimated 10 million baptized Christians (about 1 percent of the population) who celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas time. The popularity of midnight mass has grown so swiftly over the past few years that most Catholic churches can not hold the numbers who come out Christmas Eve. While Christmas Day is not a public holiday, Christmas celebrations are becoming more popular in China itself. Particularly in urban areas, one can find Christmas trees, lights, and other decorations on the streets and in department stores. Attendance at Christmas Eve mass has also become more popular in recent years. With each passing year, the Chinese public is becoming more conscious about the significance of Christmas, and more and more people are beginning to participate and immerse themselves in the spirit of Christmas celebrations.