VOA标准英语2011--Chinese Adopt Western Holiday of Christmas

Chinese Adopt Western Holiday of Christmas

Christmas is not a traditional Chinese holiday. But the brightly-colored lights of the season are attracting a growing number of Chinese fans, who say they like the idea of decorating and giving gifts.

In Beijing, the Christmas holiday is one of many cultural imports interpreted with Chinese characteristics.

Many of the world's Christmas decorations are made in China, but not everything is sent overseas. These days, 25-year-old Luo Jie is one of the many who like what she calls “the Christmas atmosphere.”

“I might go eat with friends, and go watch a movie, and then at midnight, I might go to Wangfujing, where they have a church, to get some of the feeling of Christmas,” she said.

She's planning to buy presents for her friends, family and teachers.

Holiday sales are a draw for 39-year-old department store employee Sunny. She is buying decorations to give her customers the Christmas feeling.

“There's that story about Santa Claus' generosity¹. That's why I think people, from kids to adults, like Christmas because they anticipate gifts,” said Sunny.

Vendor² Du Yanyan said Chinese New Year is still the most popular holiday in China, but Christmas is gaining.

“Chinese families are willing to spend some money on Christmas decorations. Before there wasn't as many, but now, people know that it is Christmas and they say ‘I want to buy a tree or some presents,’” said Du Yanyan.

The holiday shopping comes as the Chinese government tries to increase domestic spending to boost the economy. But many shoppers are like Luo Jie, who says she mainly enjoys Christmas’ distinctive³ look and music.

“On the streets, you hear Christmas songs - 'Jingle⁴ bells, jingle bells' - it's very fun,” she said.

1 generosity   

n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为

参考例句：

• We should match their generosity with our own.我们应该像他们一样慷慨大方。
• We adore them for their generosity.我们钦佩他们的慷慨。

2 vendor   

n.卖主；小贩

参考例句：

• She looked at the vendor who cheated her the other day with distaste.她厌恶地望着那个前几天曾经欺骗过她的小贩。
• He must inform the vendor immediately.他必须立即通知卖方。

3 distinctive   

adj.特别的，有特色的，与众不同的

参考例句：

• She has a very distinctive way of walking.她走路的样子与别人很不相同。
• This bird has several distinctive features.这个鸟具有几种突出的特征。

4 jingle   

n.叮当声，韵律简单的诗句；v.使叮当作响，叮当响，押韵

参考例句：

• The key fell on the ground with a jingle.钥匙叮当落地。
• The knives and forks set up their regular jingle.刀叉发出常有的叮当声。