December 23, 2008 - Christmas Chinese Style #3
We found the Santa Hats!
They were in the outdoor market right behind the toothpaste display. We found several shops that had Christmas items for sale.
It was so fun to browse around and laugh. It really put us in a Christmas spirit, albeit a very tacky one. Hubby even bought a light-up hat!
These shops don't start selling Christmas things until about two weeks before Christmas. Chinese people think it strange that we put up our tree in early December. "Isn't Christmas just one day?" they ask. Actually, it's not just one day in practice, is it? Their questions make me really think about what Christmas is. It's an entire month of advent, celebrations, and eating.
And although we don't get these Christmas things until two weeks before the holidays, don't worry. We'll get to see them a long, long time. You started seeing Christmas things in October, right? Well these decorations will be all over our city until April, May, even June sometimes. Yeah, there's nothing like seeing a dreary, dusty Santa smiling down on you while you're sweating in June.
Here's a glimpse of the "tree lot."
We love real trees, but they are not an option here. So, we have a fake one. It's not a theme tree, but the one decorated with love with an assortment of mostly homemade ornaments from over the years. I love it that way. It's in front of our large living room window, and the whole complex can see our tree! They love it!
Comments
December 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by probablytracy
Nice smiling hubby & daughter pic!
December 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Kindred Blessings
I love hearing about your experiences in China! I frequently share your posts with my children. My daughter Anne thinks that your parks are "awesome" and I've over-heard her telling her friends how wonderful Chinese parks are and how "boring" ours are in the US by comparisson. My blog address is: http://kindredblessings.blogspot.com/ . For some reason, I cannot navigate Homeschool Blogger that well!
Have a blessed Christmas! Thank you for blogging, you're a blessing!
December 23, 2008 - Hi Jimmie!
Posted by hrlabonte
Merry Christmas!
I'm loving all of the photos that you've been sharing -- especially Santa in a fedora!! That was hilarious. :-)
~Heather
December 24, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
YEAH for the tree. YEAH that the whole apartment can see it and thus introduce yet another opportunity to share Jesus with them. How awesome is that? Just a simple tradition that can reach others. cool.
Emily
thelearningneverstops.blogspot.com
December 24, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I've been enjoying your pictures of the Christmas decor! That "Christmas tree lot" had me laughing last night! I also blogged about some Chinese decor today. It's the most bizarre Christmas decorations I've ever seen! http://raisingedenita.blogspot.com/2008/12/bizarre-christmas-decor.html
Katie
December 24, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lisaquing
I love your Christmas in China posts! My kids got a big kick out of the Santa wearing a fedora. lol
http://cornerstonehomelearning.blogspot.com/
December 24, 2008 - So thankful
Posted by shorty
I am so thankful for you and your blog. I enjoy reading about all the wonderful Chinese experiences. I so enjoy hearing about school and I mostly enjoy how uplifting you are! God bless
Shorty
December 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx
Homemade ornaments are the best!
I hope it gives you the opportunity to talk to others about exactly what all the Christmas hubbub is really all about!
Can you tell that I am catching up on my blog reading? I've miss you, my friend!
