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Jiang Xiaowei / BRIGHTNESS
People line up at Moore Memorial Church in People’s Square for the Christmas Eve service.
In the wake of the pandemic, expatriates are enjoying Christmas Eve this year with friendship and new hope.
Bradley Swayze, a Canadian who has been working in the city for four years, said going through without his family was nothing new.
“Even when I was at home, when my friends and I couldn’t go with our families, we all brought gifts, food, and got together to celebrate,” she said. “We call it an ‘Orphan Christmas.’
Judith from Germany, who works for a games company in Shanghai, said she was celebrating at home with friends.
“This was a particularly difficult year for all of us and I am grateful for what I have had,” said Judith. “I really hope this pandemic can end soon next year.”
She planned to go to Holy Trinity Church with her boyfriend, but was disappointed to find that it wasn’t open to the public on Christmas Eve.
Jiang Xiaowei / BRIGHTNESS
A 30-meter digital Christmas tree in Xintiandi.
Shot by Jiang Xiaowei.
Jiang Xiaowei / BRIGHTNESS
People line up in front of the Moore Memorial Church in People’s Square.
Due to the pandemic, religious services in the city must be booked in advance due to the number limit.
Passes for services on Christmas Eve were quickly booked at churches like the Cathedral of San Ignacio, the largest Catholic church in Xujiahui.
Moore Memorial Church in People Square had a 600 seat limit and was reserved in two hours.
The International Chapel of the Christian Church in Xuhui District is celebrating Christmas online due to ongoing renovations.
Luiza, from Brazil, lives alone in Shanghai and works in an engineering company, she was on her way to meet friends.
“Christmas is generally about a reunion with families,” Luiza said. “But this year becomes a special day for us (that we cannot celebrate with families). Shanghai is our second family. “
“I really hope everything is back to normal next year.”
Jiang Xiaowei / BRIGHTNESS
A passerby takes a picture with a Christmas tree on December 24.
Wang Rongjiang / BRIGHTNESS
People take pictures in front of a Christmas tree in Waitanyuan, on the North Bund.
For many international students, this is their first Christmas away from home.
Sophia, who started her freshman year at NYU Shanghai last month, said she had fun with her friends on Christmas Eve.
“I went to a buffet, Christmas shopping, and bowling with my friends. At night, people would rent an Airbnb to celebrate together, ”said Sophia. “We had fun.”
It is currently winter break for Sophia and her classmates, who have already made plans to travel to different parts of China such as Beijing and Shenzhen before the new semester begins at the end of January.
Romanian Ana-Maria Radu arrived in the city from Beijing on Christmas Eve. She has been working in China for three years as an architect.
She had just quit her job and hadn’t made any plans for the night, but she was relaxed.
“We also celebrate the festival in my home country, including decorations and family gatherings,” he said. “Today is like a new beginning, a new page for me.”
Wang Rongjiang / BRIGHTNESS
People have fun in Waitanyuan.
