Christmas in China: Traditions & Celebrations

So how is Christmas actually celebrated in China?

Mostly, with decorations. In recent years cities have filled their streets and shops with Christmas trees and twinkling lights, and shopping malls dress their windows to pull customers in. Santa Claus is everywhere, along with reindeer and the rest of the familiar cast. Trees appear in homes and shops too.

It's also big business. Stores run Christmas promotions and discounts, and people spend - on themselves as much as on gifts for others.

Young people in particular organise parties and dinners with friends and family. Presents are exchanged, games are played, Christmas music plays in the background. Some cities host concerts and public events. But remember that 25 December is a normal working day in China, so everything happens in the evening once work is done.

This is all quite recent. In the early 20th century, Christmas in China was a religious occasion, confined to churches and Christian communities. Everything changed from the 1980s onwards, as the country opened up and Western culture arrived. Shops spotted the opportunity, and marketing did the rest.

Today the holiday is a commercial event first and a religious one a distant second - not so different, in truth, from Christmas at home.

Since it's not a local holiday, there aren't any specific traditional dishes for Chinese Christmas. However, as the custom of gathering for sumptuous dinners with friends and loved ones has developed and spread, so has the custom of preparing special foods and dishes that combine Chinese and Western influences during the holidays.

The most widespread tradition is the one practiced in southern China, which involves the preparation of tangyuan (湯圓), the typical glutinous rice balls. White or colored, plain or filled with black sesame paste, flavored with red wine or cooked in a hot soup, they were originally created to be eaten during the Lantern Festival. In various regions, however, they have begun to be associated with the entire Chinese New Year holiday period, as well as with the Dongzhi Festival (celebrated between December 21st and 22nd) and Chinese Christmas.

In northern China, however, it's common to prepare Jiaozi (饺子) on Christmas Day. These are a very popular type of Chinese dumpling, filled with meat, vegetables, or a combination of both. They can be steamed, boiled, or fried, and are often served with soy sauce or vinegar for dipping.

As we've mentioned, however, during Christmas Day in China, there's a tendency to mix traditional Chinese dishes with the traditional Western preparations reserved for the holidays. Therefore, during this dinner, you might also find foods such as:

• Christmas cakes, often decorated with cream, dried fruit, and chocolate. They may include variations such as green tea or fruit cakes;
• Holiday Cookies, decorated, and Christmas cookies. Gingerbread cookies are a classic, becoming increasingly popular in China as well. They're often made to be shared among friends and family.
• Pizza and hamburgers , or more generally Western food served in restaurants and fast food joints. It's common to eat it during Christmas celebrations, especially in large cities, as a way to feel more Western.
• Traditional Chinese Foods: Traditional dishes such as spring rolls and dumplings can be included in Christmas meals, representing Chinese cuisine.
• Rice and hot soups : These are always common, and can be served to add comfort to the meal.
• Meat dishes, roasts and stews. Some families traditionally prepare these dishes for Christmas dinner, combining local influences with Western recipes.
• Local and traditional Chinese sweets, such as mooncakes or other glutinous rice-based desserts, even if they are not specifically created for Christmas.

Furthermore, on Christmas tables in China, it's common to find a rich assortment of fresh fruit, especially local varieties of oranges, apples, and persimmons, which symbolize prosperity and good luck. It's also common to give fruit to one another as gifts, especially apples due to their symbolic meaning.

During celebrations, it is common to serve drinks such as tea, wine, champagne, or beer, to toast meals and accompany the various dishes with the appropriate beverage.

In conclusion, we can define Christmas in China as a celebration that has evolved over the years , taking on a primarily commercial and social rather than religious significance.

Although it is not a traditional holiday and is not recognized as an official public holiday, Christmas is gaining increasing popularity, especially among young people and in urban areas. Cities are adorned with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations, while stores offer discounts and special promotions to attract consumers and encourage them to spend money on gifts, trees, and lights.

While the cultural and religious roots of Christmas in China may differ from those in other parts of the world, the holiday continues to grow and adapt, reflecting China's dynamic society and the influence of global traditions.

Over time, Christmas in China may increasingly take on its own unique identity, integrating local and international elements into a fascinating fusion of cultures. If you happen to be in China during the holiday season, you certainly won't miss the traditional atmosphere!