Opinion / Raymond McFarland
Real Xmas spirit needed
By Ray McFarland ( chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2005-11-30 10:05
While the end of Thanksgiving traditionally marks the start of the
holiday season (which ends on New Year��s Day) in the United States, some
stores and restaurants in China have had Christmas trees and decorations
up and employees decked in Santa gear since early November or even the
end of October.
However, unlike a few years ago when I was pleasantly surprised at
Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes popping up around me, this year
the glittery display of holiday cheer has me in a cross between St.
Nicholas and the Grinch (a Dr. Seuss creation who once tried to steal
Christmas from the lovable Whos).
An essential element of what makes Christmas so special is missing among
the bustling commercialism and preparations as well as the special
activities and events in China -- the Christmas spirit. (In a chestnut,
the Christmas spirit is ��peace on earth, goodwill towards all.)
One of the things I like most about Christmas in America is that it is
not merely a time for fun, as the way it is often treated by young or
cosmopolitan people in China. Rather, during the holiday season, people
are genuinely nicer and more helpful. More people will let you go in
front of them in line. More strangers will say hello to you. More people
give to charities during this time. Generally, people are more at peace
with themselves and the world around them. They are in a better mood and
are more accommodating, brimming with goodwill towards all around them.
Some of you will say that people should be like this all year round. I
agree, but this is easier said than done. One day, people all across the
world will have the Christmas spirit yearlong. But it will take great
effort. In the meanwhile, such a benevolent spirit for even just a little
over a month is worthwhile.
Some of you may pompously remark that Chinese people are always nice. I
hate to snow on your sunny wonderland, but that is just not true. I have
met my share of mean and greedy people in China just like I have met my
share of such people in America. In fact, go to any one of the 200 plus
countries and regions in the world and you will find both nice and mean
people.
If you are having problems accepting my claims, then think of it this
way: I have been told that during Spring Festival (the Chinese Lunar New
Year), people in China are more willing to help and are in a better mood
than at other times of the year. It goes without reason that a Chinese
citizen celebrating Spring Festival overseas would feel this special
element missing.
Now I am not asking people to lift Christmas to the same level of
importance as Spring Festival, which is the major holiday in China. Also
please don��t think I am a Scrooge. Christmas is my favorite holiday and
I love to put up and decorate trees, give presents, and listen to
Christmas music. But I would like Chinese people to realize that
Christmas is much deeper and more sophisticated than the superficial
material side. It is also much more than fun and games.
Now if you view me as being crotchety, then "nice meeting you and have a
nice day." But if you are interested in getting a taste of the holiday
spirit, it's easy: Do something nice for somebody. Maybe you usually
never give you seat up for old people; surprise yourself a couple of
times. Say hello or at least firmly smile to fellow Chinese compatriots,
not just to foreigners. Give something extra to beggars: If you usually
give beggars 1 yuan (roughly US$0.12), give them double or more. There
are a number of small deeds that you can perform doing the holiday
season. And as you do your kind acts, say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy
Holidays" with a bright smile.
Write to Raymond McFarland at mcstephen23@hotmail.com
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