It's beginning to look a lot like... Christmas?

So first of all, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, all that jazz. Many people abroad have been asking what Christmas is like in China, a communist country with minimal religious ties, except to Buddha or Confucius. Knowing me, you know that I love the holidays. I start blasting holiday music the day after thanksgiving; I know all the words to every song; I walk around New York to see all the lights; I go to Beacon Hill to listen to the bell ringers; I see the Revels; I sing carols in the neighborhood; you name it. So it’s hard to imagine living in a place that is without Christmas spirit.

But, there IS Christmas in Beijing. Well, a version of Christmas. Let’s begin with music. 1 point for China Christmas! In every mall and Starbucks, there is Christmas music playing. Some songs are familiar versions… others… well, it’s the thought that counts.

Like this guy, he plays the holidays jingles quite well. And he’s everywhere!!

Let’s move on to decorations. Now, no place can beat Boston or NYC for lights, but I have come across inventive and magical? Decorations here in the ‘Jing. Even in the hutong alleys, there is a bit of Christmas cheer. Lots of Santa heads on doors, ornaments on trees and… other things.

     

Finally celebrating. I was thinking that my Christmas eve would be me, a bottle of ‘great wall’ wine, and love actually. But I was invited to a colleagues apartment at the last minute. Wowee! A chinese Christmas eve! So when I showed up, I had no expectations. What do Chinese people do for a Christmas eve party? The answer is: watch love actually! Score! And eat pizza hut pizza. And bring tons and tons of snacks. And balloons. And cake. And lights. So that was my Christmas Eve.

 

Christmas day was spent, like a good Jew that I am, with fellow Jews, eating Chinese food, watching movies, and playing board games. So… not that different from home at all!! Now that I made it through Christmas, it’ll be fun to see what New year’s eve is like! I’ll be tanning on the beach in Sanya. Wish me luck!