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So Choi-yai, a counselor of Rose Hillock School, was busy helping her "small artists" prepare for their musical performance Tuesday evening in the Hong Kong Times Square, where Christmas songs, flocks of buyers and dazzling decorations heightened the joyous air of festival.
"Our kids are not skillful, while they cherish the chance to present their performance. In the meantime, they enjoy the holiday and understand the society," So said.
As one of Hong Kong's largest shopping malls, the Times Square launches lots of programs to attract buyers and travelers. Big labels of "sales", various Christmas goods and people surging in and out indicate that the New Year is coming.
Celebrations can be seen everywhere. At the Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza, the "2002 Christmas Carnival" held on Dec. 22 attracted crowds of people, who were invited to write down their wishes and hang them on the Christmas wishing tree. The lovely and colorful puppets and clowns in the show brought joys and funs to the audience.
At the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Teddy Bear, the famous cuddly toy, is celebrating its 100th birthday. During the half-month festival, a world-class Teddy Bear acrobat team brought funs, excitement and laughter to the audience by their unique performance, and a very long Teddy Bear coloring wall was set up at the venue for visitors to draw their favorite color on the wall.
Many mainland visitors chose Hong Kong to spend their New Year. In Sogo emporium, a group of visitors from Fujian Province said they had come here three times, all in Hong Kong's New Year holiday, when Hong Kong is more beautiful and bustling.
Some 75 newly married couples from inland also found jubilance in Hong Kong. They vowed last Friday their unalterable oath in a special celebration, adding a touch of romance and novelty to their tour here.
Those less fortunate are not forgotten during the happy holiday.The Social Welfare Department in alliance with 17 rehabilitation organizations are now organizing a promotion, helping those disabled to sell their handicraft products as seasonal gifts. Many resthomes have received various gifts and donations, and some volunteers said they planned to spend a day chatting and playing games with the destitute children living in cage homes.
"People are facing problems and need our help," said Eddie Tsang Chihong, communications officer of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, "and more and more groups and volunteers are organizing activities for them. This is a New Year for all people."
(Xinhua News Agency December 26, 2002)
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