Sunday, December 23, 2012

Merry Christmas Everyone!


In light of the season, I'd like to wish all my readers and followers a Merry Christmas. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday.
Around this time last year, I managed to snap some photos around Beijing since that was my first and last Christmas in the city. I was actually quite surprised at the amount of lights, trees and other Christmas decors that were intricately displayed on buildings, streets and public squares. 

Here are some of the pics I snapped around this time last year with a brief description of each photo. 
Enjoy!

Two Santa clauses at Xidan (a large shopping district in Beijing) handing out a "wish/luck" card to write a wish on.



After writing on the card, you tie it anywhere on the Christmas tree. Writing on a piece of paper and hanging it on some sort of object is a popular practice in China, as they are very superstitious.



Toy Story? at Sanlitun, an International Shopping District

Christmas Tree at Sanlitun



 Still at Sanlitun
These Lights changes colors!


Xidan subway station on Christmas Eve
Xidan Shopping District


Christmas lights on the 3rd ring road 


A Christmas present one of my students gave me. By the way, it's an apple. An apple? you might ask. Well, the Chinese word for apple "ping guo" sounds like "ping an ye" which means peaceful night or what we call Christmas Eve. And so people will give each other an apple wrapped in beautiful wrapping papers. You'll also find street vendors, supermarkets and little shops selling them around Christmas Eve. Don't worry if this doesn't make sense because I still don't understand how an apple relates to Christmas eve.  


To see how Xidan looks like at night, you can visit this site.

Jeeze, I need to get back to actually writing more on this site! I still have a lot to write about, and in case you're wondering, I haven't forgotten about the Facts vs. Myth series.

Anyway, I hope the season brings you lots of joy and warmth. Have a safe Christmas! 

No comments: