In Chinese Merry Christmas is known as Sheng4 dan4 Kuai4 le4

Learn chinese words 圣诞老人 (sheng4 dan4 lao3 ren2) which in Chinese meaning old Christmas man, takes center stage as the main figure for celebrating Christmas in China.

Christmas is not a national holiday, no one has the day off making it harder to celebrate. Because of this Christmas is seen and celebrated like other foreign holidays (Valentines/Saint Patrick’s/Thanksgiving) as an occasion to meet up and go out with friends and family for dinner.


Even though as the world’s capital maker of Christmas decorations they are dirt cheap in China and can be found everywhere. Few actually celebrate Christmas the western way by decorating their house and celebrating with family. The few that have a Christmas tree may decorate it not only with western style ornaments but with beautiful Chinese paper lanterns, paper chains, this type of decorated tree is often named “tree of lights”.

What might come as a surprise to foreigners is the common gift given on Christmas Eve in China, an apple. Now, these aren’t just ordinary apples, they are wrapped in elaborate wrappings like a present. But the best part is when you open the packaging, it has an intricate design that has been grown into the apple wishing you a Merry Christmas or good health. For me it makes a change from the decadent sweet filled Christmas at home adding a healthy aspect to an otherwise stuffing holiday.

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