Reporter's Diary: An American's first Christmas in China

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China's version of Christmas continues to improve every year.

So says the American CGTN reporter who has now only experienced one of them here.

I spent much of my first holiday season (including my December 3 birthday) in Beijing's Wangfujing area.

As the time-honored Christmas carol "Silver Bells" goes, Wangfujing is lined with city sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. In the air, there's a feeling of Christmas.

Wangfujing Cathedral is one of Beijing's oldest Catholic churches, dating back to the early 1900s./CGTN Photo

Years removed from its days as the city's busiest shopping district, it now offers locals, and expats like myself a more comfortable atmosphere. Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile, it's easy to make new friends here, like I did.

"Christmas Day, is a very very very good day," said Chen Jingyong, a student at a local university. "I will go shopping with my friends."

I had the privilege of helping Jingyong and his friends with a school project, in which they needed to record themselves on video conversing with a native English speaker.

It became a mutual exchange of Christmas ideals. Lin Zhicong's plans for Christmas Day had me amused, in a good way.

"Probably some housework," Zhicong said with a smile.

"We'll maybe go for a trip nearby," said Tong Haozhen. "Or we might have a nice dinner."

The Christmas tree outside one of Wangfujing's malls is a sight to see both day and night. /CGTN Photo

Well, Christmas comes but once a year, so be good for goodness sake. Meanwhile in Wangfujing, you can rock around the Christmas tree, have a cup of cheer, and watch the shoppers rush home with their treasures.

Yes, I have definitely felt the commercial vibe this first Christmas in China, much more than the religious one. But for those wanting to keep Christ in Christmas, Wangfujing Cathedral, also known as St. Joseph's Church is a great place to usher in joy to the world, and wish others a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Here's to you and your family having a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed and beautiful 2018.

7km