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Thread: Why do Chinese prefer celebrating western festivals?

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[quote=JABAROOTOO,261097]Christmas in China is a strange phenomenon and has taken on some uniquely Chinese 'characteristics' in the cities that it is wildly celebrated.

I agree with Paul that it offers a great opportunity for youngsters to ‘let their hair down’ and party without ‘the family’.  However from the viewpoint of a foreigner in the country I have to say that Christmas Eve festivities here look more like New Years Eve in the west.

Christmas in western countries is traditionally a much quieter, family and friends affair and any large gatherings are for the very public, young family oriented ‘Carols by Candlelight’.  And lets not forget Santa.  These events are held in large parks, churches and halls.

Since the meaning of Christmas - the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ more than 2000 years ago - has been watered down in our collective western countries, it is not surprising then that the meaning and significance of the celebration is not so obvious to the casual observer.  The fact that is followed closely by New Year Celebrations of grand proportions would also add to any confusion or lack of understanding.

Different counties also have some very unique ways to celebrate Christmas.  In Australia it is school summer holidays and there is not a flake of real snow in the whole country.  Many families take long holidays at the beach and we have some of our own unique Carols that reflect the weather that most of us experience at Christmas, sometimes over 40 C

To be honest I understand little about the Chinese New Year Celebrations, just that they cover several weeks, are family oriented and many special things are observed during that time.  Oh and many people make jiaozi at home together which is a lot of fun and a good time to chat and catch up on each others news.

Merry Christmas to you all and I wish you all the very best for the coming New Year
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