My Chinese Christmas

 
In 2018, I spent my Christmas in China, a country where the holiday is not officially recognized and where December 25 is a normal working day. Despite this, the day had its own unique charm, and I found ways to enjoy the festive spirit.

I started the morning early, around 7 a.m., preparing for a day of student testing. Despite it being Christmas, the day felt like any other in terms of obligations, with no special observances on campus.

However, Christmas in China has grown in popularity over the years, albeit in a different way. It’s more of a festive occasion than a religious holiday, with elements like Christmas decorations and lights becoming increasingly common in cities. It's treated more like a cultural celebration, focused on the festive atmosphere rather than religious traditions.

At work, my colleagues surprised me with a few Christmas gifts, which added a nice touch to the day. They gave me a box of chocolates and some traditional Chinese Christmas apples. The apples, known as “píngguǒ” (苹果), are often gifted because the word sounds similar to the Chinese word for peace (平安, píng’ān), making them symbolic of wishing peace during the holiday season. This is one of those uniquely Chinese adaptations of Western holidays that has become part of their festive customs.

After the morning testing sessions, I had a lunch with my fellow teachers at a local Chinese restaurant, followed by some time downtown. One highlight of the day was heading to Qijiang Park in Zhongshan, a beautiful park with historical significance due to its location on an old shipyard.

This park, located along the Qijiang River, is one of the more picturesque areas of the city, rich in history and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The park’s name derives from the river that flows through it, and the area has historical significance as it was once a shipyard. Remnants of this industrial past remain, with some parts of the shipyard structures preserved, making it a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage.

The park itself features lush greenery, with well-maintained walking paths, bridges, and open spaces for relaxation or exercise. One of the most striking features is a large steel boat hull, a remnant of its shipyard history, which has been preserved on tracks as a monument. Visitors can climb onto it, adding an interactive element to the visit. This symbol of the past contrasts with the serene and modernized landscape that surrounds it today.

Qijiang Park also holds cultural significance, as it integrates elements of Zhongshan’s history with its natural beauty. Historically, Zhongshan was a hub for shipbuilding, and the park’s design honors this tradition while offering a peaceful retreat for city dwellers. The nearby Sheraton Hotel and the central location of the park make it accessible and popular for gatherings, strolls, and family outings.

As the day wore on, I met up with other teachers for various festive activities, including a game-filled gathering. It was heartwarming to see the energy and excitement despite the cultural differences in how the day was observed.  Later in the afternoon, I had a quick video call with my family back home, which, while brief, allowed me to reconnect and wish them a Merry Christmas. Being far away from loved ones during the holidays is always difficult, but technology helps bridge that gap, even if only for a few moments.

The evening was capped off with a Christmas dinner with friends, where we shared stories and enjoyed each other's company. Christmas in China might lack some of the familiar elements from back home—like big family gatherings or gift exchanges—but it offered a new perspective on how different cultures adopt and adapt traditions.

In fact, although Christmas isn’t an official holiday in mainland China, it is a two-day public holiday in Hong Kong and Macau, due to their colonial histories and larger Christian populations. Mainland China’s celebration is more of a commercial and social affair, with cities like Zhongshan and others becoming increasingly festive during the season.

Looking back, my 2018 Christmas was different from what I was used to, but it was filled with new experiences and cultural exchange. Although I missed my family back home, the experience made me appreciate the holiday in a new way.