So, this is Christmas: Being stuck in Shanghai for the festive season

HelloRF

Christmas is just around the corner, and here you are stuck in Shanghai. Anyone working in China knows that the West’s biggest annual festival, arguably, is just another day at work (or school). 

So, what can you do to get through the grind and inject a bit of Christmas cheer into your day on Tuesday?

Introduce the, err, delight of Secret Santa to your Chinese workmates

Probably one of the most fun (tedious) parts of work culture in the West is the inescapable Secret Santa. Now’s your chance to teach your Chinese colleagues a thing or two about their obligations to engage in a bit of your culture for once, at least once a year, through this joyous practice. 

Pro tip: Add a Chinese twist to the whole process by making a rule that all gifts need to be bought on Taobao.

Visit a cute Christmas market

Shanghai has plenty of cute Christmas markets through the holiday season, featuring small gifts, yummy Christmas-themed food and beverages, and plenty of cute Christmas displays. 

You’ll feel like you’re back at home! I recommend the Christmas Market in The Hub at 668 Shenchang Road near Hongqiao Railway Station, which will run from December 23-25. 

Turn up to work as Santa, only say “ho-ho-ho”

Your bosses won’t be able to complain when you turn up to work donning a full Santa outfit — complete with white beard and pillow-stuffed gut — this Christmas, least of all because it will be considered free entertainment. 

Make it more authentic by only saying “ho-ho-ho” and demanding cookies and milk all day. Pro tip: Tell your workmates it’s “obligatory” to give Santa hongbao and that not doing so will “offend” your cultural traditions.

Take a selfie with a Christmas tree to send back home

You know your family and friends back home are worrying that you’re missing all the Christmas cheer, so tell them a bit of a snowy-white lie by taking a smiling selfie with a Christmas tree and plastering it all over your Facebook and Instagram. Most malls throughout the city feature elaborate Christmas displays, usually with the ubiquitous Christmas tree — take your pick/pic!  

Write a letter to Santa

No matter where you are in the world at Christmas, it’s easy to send a letter to Santa — not only is it free, it’s also therapeutic! 

Let rip and tell him all of your problems and hardships from the entire year, then chuck it in the post addressed to “Santa, North Pole.” 

All of those bad vibes will be flung to the nearest postal sorting center.

Have a massive pillow fight

One of China’s most novel Christmas events has to be the Super Christmas Pillow Fight, which takes place in a handful of cities across the country including Shanghai. 

Basically, like the name suggests, hundreds of people get together and have a huge pillow fight, accompanied by awesome DJs, live shows, and lighting effects. This is a truly Chinese way to celebrate, and I’m sure you’ll love it!

Enjoy having no obligations

One of the great things about being “stuck” in Shanghai for Christmas is that you get to opt out of all the family obligations that the season hoists upon us all. 

That means no awkward chats filling in Aunty Mary and her new husband about what you’ve been up to all year, no drunk family dramas when things get a little out of hand, and no need to buy pointless and expensive token gifts for all of your nieces and nephews. 

Basically, being in Shanghai on December 25 isn’t so bad — the city and its residents are warming more and more to Christmas, and there is plenty you can do to inject a bit of festive flair into your day, even if you must go to work or school. Merry Christmas!