Students in China oppose Christmas revelry
Chinese cities have not been left behind in the global craze over Christmas celebrations. Why not? It makes sense to highlight Christmas as it is a season of giving. For the retailers this means business and business means survival. Many shopping complexes and malls have all been spruced for the occasion.
The sight of a portly man wearing wearing a Santa suit gladdens the heart of every child. In shopping complexes, the Santa is sponsored gifts to hand out to the kids. The kids feel happy so the parents come along and buy stuff. All the decorations steeped in centuries of tradition with Christmas carols make for a joyous shopping outing for the whole family.
However a group of 10 Chinese students all from elite universities has risen to resist Western cultural invasion. They posted their views on an internet website, the China Daily said.
This group criticizes the merry-making, the trappings of Christmas and seasonal messages in the media and blames the government for it.
“Occidental culture has been more like storms sweeping through the country rather than mild showers. People were joining in Christmas partying without giving its meaning much thought. This is a phenomenon of the collective loss of senses,” the students argued.
In Malaysia, Christmas and Valentine’s Day are also festivals celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike. While it may be true that the meaning or significance has become blurred to many, it gives the people an avenue to escape the drudgery of their everyday lives.
Christmas gives hope to Christians as they give thanks for a year passed without great calamity and hope for a better year ahead. Which girl or boy doesn’t like to receive a Valentine card or present?
As for the trappings, the Christmas trees, the Christmas turkey, Santa Claus etc etc..I say ….why not? No harm done and it creates so much goodwill and fellowship among mankind.
Smile and be merry every body. Ho ho ho…oops my white beard has fallen off. Ho ho ho..aiya oops where I drop my Santa hat huh? 
ho ho ho…..Rudolph….. where are you…
Western festivals like Christmas and Valentine’s Day have been enthusiastically embraced by Chinese retailers and young people alike in recent years.
