When we think of Christmas, we often think of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and gifts. However, sometimes we do not realize that this idea of ​​Christmas is not universal throughout the world. While there are some Christians in China who celebrate Christmas, they don’t do it the same way Americans would. Many Chinese incorporate traditional Chinese ancestral practices into the incorporation of Christmas.

The typical Christmas tree takes on a whole new look in Chinese culture. While the addition of a Christmas tree is still similar to American Christmas, the decorations and lighting methods are much more traditional. The Chinese will decorate their trees with homemade decorations made of paper, such as flowers and birds. The lighting of the trees is done by smaller lanterns, with papers of various colors.

Home decorations for Chinese Christmas also resemble the tree. The houses are decorated with paper lanterns and lights at Christmas time. Similar to American traditions, the Chinese send Christmas cards, decorate nativity scenes in their homes, and place poinsettias in their homes. Stockings are personalized and filled with gifts and sweets for little kids throughout your home.

References to Santa Claus are similar to the Americanized Santa Claus in that he is a big jolly man dressed in red with toys in a bag. The story of good kids getting a visit from Santa the night before Christmas still applies, however, there is one small change. Santa Claus as we call him is known as Dun Che Lao Ren, for the Chinese he is the “Old Man of Christmas”.

Just as there are traditional gifts to give at Christmas, the Chinese have many gifts that are commonly given during the festive season. Some of these gifts include:

lucky money

The Chinese often give what is known as lucky money to friends, family and even party hosts as a token of prosperity or a way of saying good luck in the coming year. Lucky money looks like real money. However, it is fake and printed on gold or red decorative papers. Lucky money is placed in red envelopes as a method of wrapping and presenting it to the recipient.

oranges and tangerines

It is a tradition for the Chinese to give aromatic fruits such as tangerines, oranges and other citrus fruits. Citrus fruits are said to resemble coins and are therefore great fortune. These are symbols of good wishes when given as a gift and should be placed in your home as a display of prosperity.

Decorations that are red

Red is the color of luck, good health, and prosperity in Chinese culture. For that reason, gifts that are red are commonly exchanged in China as a way of wishing the recipient well in the coming year. Items like red Chinese lanterns, red lights, and red pine branches are common gifts.

For Chinese Christmas, there is no shortage of warm wishes and peace for others. A Chinese Christmas celebration will surely be a great experience in cultural exchanges and practices. It is also important to note that in the United States and other countries, some Chinese may follow or agree with Western gift-giving practices. So be sure to ask them or others you know what their preferences are.