I always found it interesting when I thought about the factory workers in plants in southern China and their reaction to all the Christmas products they make and ship to North America and Europe.  I am sure they wondered what we were thinking about when we designed these decorations.

Christmas in China is celebrated like a birthday party on December 25^th. The young people go out and eat and have a party either at home or at a KTV. They grasp the religious meaning but the whole event seems like a great idea for a party, which in many ways is correct. Their family holiday of course in Chinese New Year, which is February 15 this coming year.

The best Christmas card that I ever received was years ago from a Taiwanese clamp supplier. This card tried to capture a few events as on the front of the card were jack o' lanterns with Santa hats on Santa bodies. I am not quite sure what they had in mind but it was interesting, if not slightly disturbing.  

I remember our first year living in Shenyang and Hua, wanting me to feel at home, bought some Santa heads on a stick and stuck them in a flower pot with a small green plant. It reminded of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree and the thought was appreciated.  In fact in most of the major cities in China you will see extensive Christmas decorations. I was quite surprised when I first saw this years ago.

As for the meal, turkey is not sold in China, with the exception of the foreign food services who import it for the ex-pats. So we substitute goose and duck instead since it is a step up from chicken.  The rest is basically the same as here. The jellyfish in soy sauce makes an interesting addition.

Good memories for sure. This is Hua's fifth Christmas in Canada and she still does not like turkey. Apparently it is an acquired taste.

From all of us at CCBC and from Hua and me, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010.