Do they know it's Christmas in Hong Kong?

It's Christmas time in Hong Kong and, honestly, I feel like I'm living in a parallel universe at times. It all just feels a little bit ... off.

Everywhere I go, I hear people saying 'Merry Christmas'. (I suppose the whole PC happy holidays crap hasn't infested Hong Kong yet). Everywhere I go, I see Christmas lights. Yet, there's still something a bit different. What is it? Oh yeah, in Hong Kong, Christmas is really just an excuse to party. I don't think many people know the song 'Silent Night' over here. It's 11:30 pm on Christmas Eve, I just got back from walking my dogs, and it's the busiest night I've ever seen in Sai Kung. It's not just kids either, whole families are out and about - going to barbecues, wearing flashing lights and blowing Christmas horns.

Now, I'm not having a go at them. It's just, for me, it feels weird. Honestly, the most 'authentic' Christmas feeling I've had over here was at Christmas mass with Steph tonight (and I couldn't understand a single word).

Anyway, I'm going to watch 'Elf' now.

Merry Christmas!