What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas has been imported into Shanghai via businesses, the media and a large community of expatriates and well-traveled Chinese.
This (modified) holiday has been adopted with gusto. As shops hang their decorations and individuals start making their holiday plans, Shanghai residents share what Christmas means to them.
Age: 23
Originally from: Anhui
Occupation: Waiter
“Christmas is a day for gathering. I will get together with my classmates and friends, some foreigners and some Chinese and have dinner together and give each other presents.”
Age: 33
Originally from: Shanghai
Occupation: Administrator
“Christmas is a holiday for foreigners, we just enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Since I work for an international company, I have a week-long holiday. I will go somewhere and relax.”
Age: 68
Originally from: Shanghai
Occupation: Retired
“I don’t celebrate Christmas but in my heart I think Christmas is sacred. I used to teach about Christianity so I understand the meaning and every year when I go out during Christmas when I see decorations on the street I feel really angry. I don’t like how commercialized Christmas is.”
(Click "NEXT" to see more of what Shanghaining thinks about Christmas in the 'Hai.)
