How do most people in China Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas has been steadily gaining popularity in China in recent years, though it is not a public holiday here. Outside China's Christian community, its "celebrations" are not related to religion at all, but this does not stop it becoming a major annual event in major cities of China.
People treat Christmas more like Valentine’s Day or a Carnival. In other words, it is a happy day. People go out to meet with friends or their valentine instead of spending time with their families like Westerners. Interestingly, sending apples as gifts to friends on Christmas Eve is one of the traditions of a Chinese Christmas.
Shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels put up Christmas trees, hang up Christmas banners, and employees wear Little Red Riding Hoods. The Chinese give strong Chinese characteristics to Western-style religious festivals such as Christmas: festive and warm, sounds and colorful. On Christmas Eve, large and small restaurants are usually overcrowded, Christmas parties in high-end restaurants are usually packed, and the streets and alleys usually crowded.
Purchasing the trappings of Christmas is becoming increasingly possible in China, especially in the big cities where big malls and Christmas markets sell wrapping paper, cards, etc., and there are import stores for Christmas items. Online shopping is increasingly the cheapest way to get Christmas itemse.g. a Christmas tree and decorations or even a turkey can be delivered to your door.
Finally, we wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a smooth start to the New Year!