Christmas in Hong Kong, great as it is, just isn’t the same as in Europe – it could be the real chimney for Santa, or the cold and dark
- There’s a lot to like about Christmas in Hong Kong, from the lights to the hit-and-miss efforts to fake a winter wonderland. But in the UK it feels more real
- Perhaps it’s the spruce tree from down the road or the turkey from a nearby farm. Maybe it’s the real chimney for Santa to squeeze down, or the weather
Christmas is one of the best times to be in Hong Kong.
The weather is often fine, the festive lights a delight and everything stays open. There is plenty of festive cheer. The efforts made, mostly for commercial reasons, to turn parts of the city into a winter wonderland are appreciated, even though they can be a bit hit and miss.
This year, I will not be able to enjoy the Christmas experience in my former Discovery Bay home. But a press release informs me the resort-style development has been transformed into a “Christmas European Town”.
There are Christmas markets, a “Joyous Christmas on Ice” and, less traditionally, a Christmas escape room. Santa, meanwhile, is holding a “meet and greet”. I wonder if he will be handing out business cards.
Last year, the highlight for me was the carol singing. It was a moving moment of Christmas magic at a time of tight Covid-19 restrictions.
Much as I have enjoyed Christmas in Hong Kong, it was never quite able to live up to the fond Yuletide memories of my childhood in Britain. It just didn’t feel the same. This year, I am spending my first festive season in the UK in almost two decades.
I am looking forward to hosting my family in the little cottage I have rented in the countryside. Our Christmas tree, a blue spruce, grew at an estate just down the road.
The turkey will come from a nearby farm. We just have to hope it doesn’t become a victim of bird flu, currently wreaking havoc with the British poultry industry.
An invitation has arrived to carol singing at the local country manor. We are encouraged to first drop off a bottle of “cheap red” for the making of mulled wine and to bring along a mince pie or two, should we have any spare.
Father Christmas this year will even have a real chimney he can descend, although I wouldn’t advise it. It looks like a tight fit.
I went to see the lights in Oxford Street, but I was too early and they were switched off. Clearly, soaring energy prices have hit Christmas, too. I had to hang around, braving the hordes of shoppers, until they were turned on.
They were pretty, but not as good as the ones I remember on Hong Kong’s harbourside.
What makes Christmas in England seem more traditional? The cold and the dark. Most of the customs, it seems, are designed to help you keep warm or see. This applies to everything from fairy lights to roasted chestnuts, festive jumpers and the flaming Christmas pud. Keeping warm, at least, is not a problem in Hong Kong.
I wish you all a merry Christmas, wherever you may be. A little peace and goodwill to all would be welcome in these turbulent times.
