To the editor:
Christmas is alive and well here in Guangzhou. At least the symbols of it are here to be seen.
You will find your usual collection of tacky Christmas decorations — the almost life-size sax playing doll in a Santa suit; the proverbial banners saying Merry Christmas; and lots of purported reindeer with red noses. With this you will also see the upcoming Winter Festival preparations which are lots of Golden Dragons, stars and a mixture of fake snow, tinsel and trees.
At the Guangzhou Friendship store, which is home to a large number of high end shops, you will find a 30-foot-high blue Christmas tree. Beneath the tree are bags from all the major stores. You will find Gucci, Dior, Swarovski, Bulgari, and the list goes on. To simulate snowflakes, umbrellas with white designs are used.
This particular location is filled with color. Red, orange, purple flowers, and green grass contrast with the snow. It’s in the 50s today. A little ways away stands a 20-foot high gold tree with a Swarovski banner on it. And between the two is a fully outfitted Mini Cooper car.
Lots of other stores have put up their own versions of trees and aside from a heavy dose of gaudiness, the festivities are a pretty tame collection of ideas. Several different cultures are present in the city and all bring their own customs, history and themes for the season — Germans, Americans, Spaniards and Mongolians, all fitting into a landscape that is an exotic tableau. While the sentiments are boisterous, thoughts turn to those who work during this time. Take a moment and thank the crews and staff who keep things running in times of need.
Have a great Christmas.
Orpheus Allison, MLA
Guangzhou, China
