When it comes to the festivals at the end of the year, we often think of the Spring Festival in China and Christmas in the West. However, there is a tendency for the idea that "Chinese people can't celebrate foreign festivals" to go viral online. To understand how to address this notion properly, we must learn the true meaning of these festivals.

The Spring Festival takes place on the first day of the Chinese lunar year and has its origins in ancient beliefs that wearing red clothes, pasting couplets, and setting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve can drive away the Nian beast. Over time, the Spring Festival has become a symbol of family reunion and a time to seek good fortune for the coming year.

Nowadays, we often associate Christmas with gifts, Christmas trees, and romantic couples. However, it originally celebrated the harvest in ancient Rome. Today, it is a family festival where members gather to savor the joy of being together.

From this observation, it is evident that both the Spring Festival and Christmas are occasions for people from both the East and West to express their love for their families. Their essence lies in a simple yearning for love and affection, and there is no such thing as cultural invasion. When we see foreign friends celebrating the Spring Festival and writing couplets, we feel genuinely happy and are willing to share the profound charm and heritage of Chinese culture with them. Therefore, when facing cultural differences, we should embrace a mindset of seeking common ground while reserving differences and approach things with an open and inclusive attitude.

On this winter day, let’s celebrate Christmas and joyfully welcome the New Year.