Do Chinese celebrate Christmas Day too? Americans think it is a bit inconceivable that Christmas Day is popular in China! As everyone knows, Christmas Day is the Occidental festival. But in fact Chinese celebrate Christmas Day too. Only Christmas Day has Chinese style in China.

Christmas Day was introduced to China by the missionaries in the 19th century. “Christmas Day” has already become a folk festival in China now. It is different from Occidental “Christmas Day”. The Christmas Day is transformed into Chinese style. For example, the Chinese Christmas tree will be hung chromatic paper flower and Chinese lantern; Santa Claus will put on the red Chinese-style double-breasted robe; Chinese Christmas song is being broadcast in the emporium, the restaurant will provide “the Christmas set menu”.

In the Christmas Eve, a lot of Chinese will go to restaurant to eat the feast, or watch the New Year Celebration Films, or go to the church to experience the religious atmosphere, go to the theater to listen to the music… Chinese young people will give greeting card and gift each other, and hold a dance. The gift will generally be the apple. Because of the apple and “safety” is homophony in Chinese character. The apple will be wrapped in ornamental colored cellophane. This kind of apple symbolizes safety and happiness. This is the Chinese style Christmas gift.

In fact present Chinese young people are very fond of celebrating western festival. Not only Christmas Day, but also include Valentine’s Day, All Saints’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, etc. But the young people transform these festivals into the Chinese style festival.

The Chinese style Christmas Day reflects the culture integration between east and west. Americans are accepting Chinese culture gradually; Chinese are absorbing Western culture too.