Got the Christmas blues? The season can be a challenge for Westerners who don’t go home or spend the holiday in some sunny clime. Don’t despair.Santa has added Beijing to his list. While this used to be a holiday wasteland, just holding its breath for Spring Festival, the city now offers plenty of deliaghts for us lonely elves. Here is a list of things you can do to get into the spirit:
1 Enjoy Christmas cookies under the upside-down Christmas tree in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel.
2 Dress everybody up in his or her best Christmas gear and take a photo in front of a Chinese gate. Then send email Christmas cards to everybody back home.
3 Get the whole family to sign up for skype (it’s free!) then plan a telephone conference call to say Merry Christmas.
4 Listen to Christmas Carols at the Grand Hyatt Fountain Lounge on Christmas Eve.
5 Keep pocket change handy and give it out, saying, "Merry Christmas!"
6 A noble fir or Scotch pine may be hard to source, but the big plant markets sell lots of live trees. They also sell fake ones. Don’t sneer. These don’t need water or shed needles.
7 Each year Fortant Winery creates a uniquely decorated bottle of wine for Christmas. This year’s ’05 Cabernet Sauvignon, tasting of blackcurrant and vanilla, is just right to give to your boss.
8 Catch Christmas with the Kranks on HBO on December 22 at 9pm. Polar Express screens Christmas Eve, same time.
9 If you fancy a Christmas dinner out, make your reservations early. Christmas Eve has become Beijing’s single busiest restaurant night. You can find a Christmas buffet at most of the big hotels. They are pricey, but most offer a reduced child’s price. A more adult evening would be one of the hotel Christmas extravaganzas. These include a set dinner, beverages, dancing and entertainment and a lucky draw.
10 If you lack an oven, or the will to turn it on, some places will roast your bird for pick up. Chef-to-Go will roast turkey, goose and ham. Fortune Cafe at the Somerset Hotel prepares whole suckling pig.
(Cityweekend December 13, 2007)
