Introspective

 

By Thomas F. O'Neill

As most of you already know, I lived in China from 2009 to 2023, and it was an extraordinary experience. In December 2009, I experienced my first Christmas Holiday there. The cities were all lit up with Christmas lights, and they were so beautifully displayed, especially in the city of Suzhou, where I lived.

The lights brought out the Christmas spirit in me. The Chinese also enjoyed celebrating this special season by lighting bonfires. Some sang songs and danced around the large glowing fires.

They also set off large firework displays in the night sky. It was an ancient tradition that went back thousands of years. It's one of their ways of coming together as a community to celebrate their abundance and be thankful for one another. That was just one of the reasons I found this season so special there.

Like in America, parents and children alike also took great joy in Santa's arrival on Christmas Day. I truly enjoyed seeing the young children's faces light up at the sight of Santa, the jolly old soul.

What intrigued me most about the Christmas season in China was that the majority of those who celebrated this time of year were non-Christian. The Buddhists have also embraced the season as a time to give thanks.

It is unfortunate because this has all changed: all public displays of the Christmas season have been outlawed in China. The Chinese Government ruled that the Western holiday traditions are negatively impacting China's youth.

They would prefer the youth in China to celebrate their own cultural traditions. They see Western influence not only as a threat but also as a potential erasure of China's long cultural heritage.

This draconian law did not stop me from spreading some holiday cheer to my students before I departed from China. As you can see from the photos, Santa will always have his devoted followers.

From my heart to yours, I wish you all a very merry and joyous holiday season.

Always with love,

Thomas F O'Neill

Email: introspective7@hotmail.com

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