Editorial | This Christmas can be just like the ones we used to know
- After three years when traditional festivities were curtailed due to the pandemic, the Christmas spirit can once again be enjoyed to the full in Hong Kong
There will be no dreaming of a white Christmas in subtropical Hong Kong this year, or any year, but the festive season promises to be merry and bright. It is the first Christmas since the end of the pandemic.
Traditional festivities had to be restrained for three years due to Covid-19 fears and social -distancing rules. Parties were cancelled, bars and restaurants closed, family gatherings discouraged and travel plans shelved.
It was not easy to keep the Christmas spirit alive.
This year, with all restrictions lifted and Hong Kong open again, Christmas can be enjoyed to the full. It is being actively embraced.
Much of the city has been turned into a winter wonderland. The harbour is lit up with colourful Christmas lights and shopping centres have competed for the most spectacular display. There are fireworks, fake snow, illuminations and immersive installations.
People have, once again, flocked to Christmas markets offering traditional treats including mulled wine and Yule log cakes as well as a chance to meet Santa Claus.
