Christmas in Hong Kong: what to do
Staying in Hong Kong this holiday season? If so, there's plenty to keep you all occupied, writes Barry Chung
Each year, Athena Chong's family plan their Christmas holidays well in advance. If possible, the family of four travel abroad. Last year they spent a week in Australia, as part of the joint Christmas-birthday bash for their son, John, who was born around Christmas.
This year, poor timing has thwarted their travel plans.
"Both kids have exams in the week after they get back to school," says housewife Chong. "So we're going to just stay and celebrate here."
After deciding to stay in Hong Kong, Chong began mapping out activities for the festive break. She has some fun ones lined up for the kids, including a karaoke day with friends, enrolling them in clay moulding workshops and, of course, the exchanging of gifts.
For freelance writer-editor Donna Mah, who is married to Dutchman Rudolf Hollander, Christmas is a time to engage in cultural activities.
A few weeks ago they welcomed Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa, by doing what Mah calls the whole "shoe and carrot" tradition. This involves leaving a carrot, or other small gift, in a shoe overnight for the visiting Sinterklaas.
