Christmas becomes big holiday in China

[Beet]

I thought this was an interesting testament to the wide appeal of US culture.

Christmas becomes big holiday in China
Dec 24, 2005, 16:06 GMT

BEIJING, China (UPI) -- Christmas has become one of China`s major holidays, ranking second only to the big Spring Festival for many Chinese.

Xinhua, the official government news agency, said that a poll of 2,000 people found that 90 percent have special plans for the night.

For many, the holiday is a night of revelry or romance, not a religious one. Its icons are Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and it is celebrated in karaoke bars and restaurants.

'Christmas is a season for partying, shopping and even romance. It`s a reward for our one year of hard work,' Zhang Yapeng, a computer software salesman, told Xinhua as he visited bars in Beijing on Friday to find the best one to celebrate Christmas Eve with a party of friends.

Stores also planned to stay open late Christmas Eve for last-minute gift buyers.

For China`s Christian minority, the holiday is a religious one. Xinhua said large crowds are expected for Christmas Eve services.

[2952-0-0]

Wow. I thought there would be some interest to Christmas (over there it is usually associated with consumerism and enjoyment), since those who can afford to do so are catching up to American culture, but to this degree when it surpasses many Chinese festivals?! Christmas isn't even a public holiday!! It is also kind of depressing to celebrate a holiday through hoarding gifts without understanding the root culture about it.

[Alcon]

"For many, the holiday is a night of...romance[.] Its icons are Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer..."

Hot.

[opebo]

Thats awful!  Well at least they haven't adopted the atrocious religion that goes with it.