By Wu Xiao, video by Xingchen Yue
iChongqing News “You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. I’m telling you why…” Christmas is in the air and Santa has come to Chongqing all the way from Santa Clause Town in Rovaniemi of Finland.
During the celebrating season, let's take a look at the annual Christmas party of InterContinental Hotel in Chongqing. Except for the abundant food, good music, and cheerful people, what can never be missed is the coming of the real Santa Clause.
The direct flight between Chongqing and Helsinki run by Finnair took the responsibility to take the Santa from its Santa Clause Town in Rovaniemi to Chongqing for years on Christmas. Meanwhile, it also carries the greetings and good wishes from Finland to Chongqing as the Santa act as an ambassador of friendship.
“That thing we give each other is the hope, spirit, loving, taking care and bringing the joy to every kid.” Said the Santa. The warm hugs and lovely gifts from Santa are all the beautiful memories. Young or old, we all would like to believe there is real Santa. To keep that young dream in mind. To feel that the whole year’s effort can get rewarded by getting a gift from Santa.
The truth why Chinese celebrate Christmas
Christmas is not a traditional Chinese festival, but over the years, it has gained more and more popularity in many cities of China. Chongqing is among them.
The Christmas here is less about religion and Jesus. It is more about getting together and has fun. People would like to have Christmas Party to cheer up. And for young people, they would get more excuses to spend money by giving gifts to each other. Shopping malls and hotels will get decorated with Christmas theme – beautiful Christmas trees, images of Santa Clause as well as gift boxes. Shoppers play a very important role to create the Christmas atmosphere in town.