Does China embrace Christmas with greater vigor? Every year, articles like this describe the ballooning popularity of the birthday of Jesus in China as a time for partying and shopping. Is this phenomena different from what happens in South Korea and Japan, for example? I mean, is China exceptional in this aside from its being the country that produces all of those cheap baubles we use around the world?
The numbers in China are naturally the most impressive. The Chinese customs agency reports estimated that 30 percent of the Christmas products manufactured in China are sold domestically and sales at shopping centers is thought to spike by up to 30 percent in this period. Perhaps one motivation for celebrating the day is the inexpensive decorations.
The unapologetic embrace of the most materialistic aspects of this religious event day be because there are not enough of traditional Chinese days that can be used for partying with friends. Home-grown holidays may be too solemn or official. The adoration of this foreign holiday might also highlight the cosmopolitanism and openness of contemporary China. However, at the end of that stylish yuletide dinner at a five-star hotel, Christmas in China is all about fashion – having an international, hip, lifestyle.
Oh yes, and Merry Christmas to all of my viewers wherever they are!
