What Do Chinese People Do on Christmas?

Friday, December 13, 2024

Christmas, though not a traditional holiday in China, has grown in popularity, especially in urban areas. It has become a festive occasion for socializing, gift-giving, and enjoying decorations. Unlike in Western countries, where Christmas is deeply rooted in religious and family traditions, in China, it’s more of a fun, commercial celebration. Let’s explore how Chinese people spend Christmas in modern times.

Celebrating with Friends

For many young Chinese people, Christmas is an opportunity to meet friends and exchange gifts礼物 (lǐwù). Shopping malls and online platforms often run special sales, making it easier to find unique presents. Friends also gather for Christmas-themed parties, complete with music, food, and festive games. Gift-giving has become a way to express appreciation and strengthen relationships during the holiday season.

礼物, noun, gifts

  1. Giving gifts is a popular Christmas tradition.

    送礼物是圣诞节流行的传统。
    
sòng lǐwù shì shèngdànjié liúxíng de chuántǒng.
  2. I received a lovely gift from my friend.

    我收到了朋友送的一份很好的礼物。
    
wǒ shōudàole péngyǒu sòng de yī fèn hěn hǎo de lǐwù.

Shopping and Decorations

Christmas in China is often associated with extravagant decorations装饰 (zhuāngshì). Shopping malls are adorned with sparkling lights, enormous Christmas trees, and festive displays. Many people visit these locations to take photos, shop for holiday sales, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Large cities like Shanghai and Beijing even host Christmas markets, where visitors can enjoy themed snacks and crafts.

装饰, noun, decorations

  1. Shopping malls are filled with beautiful decorations during Christmas.

    圣诞节期间,商场里充满了漂亮的装饰。
    
shèngdànjié qījiān, shāngchǎng lǐ chōngmǎnle piàoliang de zhuāngshì.
  2. People love to take photos with the Christmas decorations.

    人们喜欢和圣诞装饰合影。
    
rénmen xǐhuān hé shèngdàn zhuāngshì héyǐng.

Eating and Exploring

Food also plays an important role in the way Chinese people celebrate Christmas. Western-style meals, such as roasted turkey or steaks, are popular in restaurants, but local twists are often added. Some people even enjoy exchanging apples苹果 (píngguǒ) as a symbol of peace and good luck. This practice originates from the similarity between the Chinese word for “peace” (平安, píng'ān) and “apple” (苹果, píngguǒ).

苹果, noun, apples

  1. Exchanging apples has become a unique Chinese Christmas tradition.

    交换苹果成了中国圣诞节的独特传统。
    
jiāohuàn píngguǒ chéngle zhōngguó shèngdànjié de dútè chuántǒng.
  2. Apples symbolize peace and blessings during Christmas.

    苹果象征着圣诞节的平安与祝福。
    
píngguǒ xiàngzhēngzhe shèngdànjié de píng'ān yǔ zhùfú.

Sign up for a free trial now!

FAQ / Tips

We provide a wealth of Chinese teaching materials and learning resources, including but not limited to textbooks, workbooks, listening materials, reading materials, video courses, and online courses.Our teaching materials and resources are carefully selected and designed to meet the learning needs and goals of different learners. At the same time, our teachers will provide personalized teaching and guidance based on the learning characteristics and needs of students to ensure that students can learn and master Chinese language efficiently.
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for all new students.If you are not satisfied with our services within the first month, you may cancel your lessons and receive a refund for any unused lessons.We will only charge you for the first month of lessons, and refund the remaining balance to you promptly.Our goal is to ensure your satisfaction with our services, and we strive to provide the highest quality of instruction and support to all of our students.
We offer a referral program that rewards both you and your friend with free classes.To participate, simply refer a friend to our program and once they successfully enroll, both you and your friend will receive free classes.We appreciate your support and look forward to helping you and your friend achieve your language learning goals.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can send an email to: service @chineselearning.com.We have a team of professionals who will be happy to assist you with any issues as soon as possible.
No, the tuition fees you have paid cover all costs.There are no additional fees or hidden charges. We strive to be transparent and upfront with our pricing, ensuring that our clients receive the best value for their investment.
Our instructors are highly skilled and experienced experts in Chinese language teaching, with proficiency in multiple languages. They hold at least a bachelor's degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, and possess extensive teaching experience and knowledge. Through a rigorous selection process and ongoing training, our instructors are equipped to provide students with authentic pronunciation, accurate language usage, and cultural background knowledge, all of which are essential for achieving mastery of the Chinese language.