Ayesha de Kretser/Shanghai Daily news

It's that time. Yes folks, Christmas time is here. And, it seems, Yuletide cheer is growing as quickly as any other business here in China.
Already well separated from its religious roots in countries where Christmas is traditionally celebrated, the phenomenon has taken on a slightly new form in Shanghai. Take a quick stroll down Shanghai's most famous shopping street, Nanjing Road W. and you'll quickly become aware of the significance this holiday has grown to occupy in China.
Whether it's the enormous red tree recently erected at Plaza 66 or the reflective crystals capturing the headlights of cars and imaginations of many that hang from the trees lining the street, you can be left in no doubt that it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Shanghai.
And at a time when western countries are pushing to reign in Santa's reindeers and remove all images associated with Christmas from school curricula, China seems to be embracing the commercialism of it more than ever.
The retail frenzy is testimony to this, but how do Chinese people really feel about the holiday?
It certainly doesn't have the familial obligations that accompany Christmas in other countries, and young Chinese see the festival as a time to shop and enjoy the bright lights.
But expatriates who stay in Shanghai over Christmas often miss this coming together of extended family and friends, and it can be a very lonely time.
In the Shanghai Daily's Christmas Special, we'll tell you where to go to find the best Christmas meals and the warmest mulled wine and tastiest eggnog to wash it all down with. We also tell you what's hot and what's not in the present stakes this year, and ask Shanghai's punters what they really think about the Christmas holiday.
Those staying in Shanghai for Christmas this year need look no further, as we'll point you in the right direction for finding exactly what you need to dress your home up to capture the festive spirit, as well as where to go to buy all the edible essentials, like Christmas puddings and cakes, turkey, ham and the cranberry sauce to top it all off.
Lastly, we'll uncover the hottest weekend getaways for those planning an escape, with details of packages and flight specials to destinations in Southeast Asia, Japan and within China.
So gear up for a merry old Christmas, surrounded by all the food, alcohol and parties that make December 25 a day to look forward to, year in and year out, no matter how old we get.