The Christmas spirit continues to elude China and its people. There is no warmth, no togetherness. Whatever special feelings I have on Christmastide, China are absent here. No houses covered in blinking lights or lawns full of inflatable snow globes. And no hot chocolate! Instead of curling up in a blanket in front of a fireplace with family for company, I curl up by myself with the occasional mosquito trying to infiltrate my room. I must insert a pet peeve I have recently discovered: mosquitoes in December are an abomination!
I know China is not a Christian country, but Christmas did enter China thanks to Europeans and Americans. The aspects of the holiday that China retained were Christmas trees (randomly put up with little care) and sales. The warmth of getting together with relatives is put on hold until Chinese New Year.
Since Hong Kong understands Christmas, I wish it would influence Mainland China. There are a lot of foreigners in China and some Chinese Christians. The lack of holiday cheer, aside from random Christmas songs at McDonald's and trees outside of stores wishing you a "Merry Christmas," makes me feel alienated. I feel out of place.
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