5 Unique Christmas Traditions in China You Didn’t Expect
Does China Celebrate Christmas?
If you’ve ever been to China in December, you might have noticed something interesting—Christmas decorations everywhere, but not much actual Christmas celebration. That’s because Christmas in China isn’t really a traditional holiday; it’s more of a commercial and social event than a religious one.
I remember talking to my friend Zhang about it, and he laughed, saying, “We don’t get a day off for Christmas, but we get Christmas sales. Priorities, right?” That pretty much sums it up!
Still, Christmas has taken on some unique Chinese twists. Let’s dive into five Christmas traditions that are special to China.
1. Giving "Peace Apples" ()
1.1. Why Do People Give Apples on Christmas Eve?
One of the most surprising Christmas traditions in China is the custom of gifting apples on Christmas Eve. These apples are often beautifully wrapped in festive boxes, sometimes even printed with Christmas messages.
Why apples? The Mandarin word for Christmas Eve is (Píng’ān Yè), meaning "Silent Night" or "Peaceful Night." The word for apple, (Píngguǒ), sounds similar to "peace" ( Píng’ān), so people associate apples with good luck and peace.
Fun Fact: Some stores sell apples for ridiculous prices just because they come in fancy Christmas-themed packaging. (Yep, capitalism is alive and well in China too!)
2. Shopping Madness and Christmas Sales
2.1. Christmas as a Shopping Frenzy
If you thought Black Friday was wild, try visiting a shopping mall in China around Christmas! While Christmas isn't an official holiday, it has become a major commercial event. Big brands and shopping centers go all out with Christmas decorations, sales, and promotions.
What’s popular?
Huge discounts on luxury brands.
Christmas-themed products (even if they have nothing to do with Christmas).
Special Christmas menus in restaurants.
I once saw a Christmas sale on electric rice cookers—not exactly a Christmas classic, but hey, a deal is a deal!
3. Christmas Lights and Decorations Everywhere
3.1. A Festive Atmosphere Without the Tradition
Walking through cities like Beijing or Shanghai in December, you might think Christmas is a huge deal in China. Shopping malls, hotels, and public squares go all out with:
Massive Christmas trees (the bigger, the better).
Santa Claus figures—sometimes even playing the saxophone (don’t ask me why).
Neon lights and winter wonderland displays.
But here’s the twist—most Chinese people don’t actually celebrate Christmas at home. It’s more about the public atmosphere than family traditions.
4. Christmas as a "Date Night"
4.1. A Romantic Holiday for Young Couples
In many Western countries, Christmas is a family-centered holiday, but in China, it’s a bit different. For young couples, Christmas is kind of like Valentine’s Day—a time to go on cute dates, exchange gifts, and enjoy a fancy dinner.
Popular Christmas date activities:
Going to a Western-style restaurant.
Watching a romantic movie.
Walking around the city admiring the decorations.
I once asked my Chinese colleague if he spent Christmas with his family, and he looked at me like I was crazy: “Christmas is for my girlfriend, not my mom!”
5. Santa Claus in Shopping Malls (but With a Saxophone?)
5.1. The Mystery of Santa Playing the Saxophone
One of the most bizarre yet amusing Christmas traditions in China is the image of Santa Claus playing the saxophone. No one is entirely sure why this became a thing, but if you visit a shopping mall in December, there’s a good chance you’ll see a plastic Santa rocking out with a saxophone.
Possible explanations?
- Some say it’s because saxophone music is often played in fancy restaurants, so Santa playing the sax gives a "classy, Western" vibe.
- Others think it’s just a random decoration trend that somehow caught on.
Either way, it’s one of those quirky Christmas things that make China unique.
Conclusion: A Different Kind of Christmas
So, does China celebrate Christmas? Yes, but not in the way you might expect. There are no traditional family gatherings, no public holidays, and no religious significance for most people. Instead, Christmas in China is a mix of shopping, romance, and quirky traditions.
Apples for peace and luck.
Crazy shopping deals.
Over-the-top decorations.
Romantic dates.
Santa Claus... with a saxophone.
Christmas in China is fun, festive, and uniquely Chinese. If you ever visit during the holiday season, just enjoy the lights, grab a Christmas sale, and maybe buy an overpriced apple—because why not?
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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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