How to Make a Chinese Christmas Tree

Add Chinese characters to bulb ornaments as Christmas tree decorations.

In the last 20 years, Christmas trees and other decorations have popped up in China's major cities, and Beijing's Avenue of Eternal Peace sports many Christmas displays. As with every culture, China interprets a Christmas celebration in its own way. People often have Christmas trees in their homes and prepare special food to spend with friends and family. And for Chinese-Americans living in the United States who feel the tug between two cultures, setting up a Christmas tree with Chinese-inspired ornaments and decorations may be just the bridge to bring harmony into their homes during the holiday season.

Things You'll Need

• Artificial or living pine, spruce or fir tree
• Bulb ornaments
• Acrylic paint or permanent markers
• Paper
• Scissors
• Strand of indoor white twinkling lights

Instructions

1. Set up an artificial or living cut pine, spruce or fir tree in a stand in a living room, kitchen or dining room. Select a size that fits your home. Select from trees that measure 6 feet or taller down to small, 2-foot high tabletop trees.

2. Buy or make your own bulb ornaments painted with Chinese characters for happiness, health, good luck and peace on them. Pick up plain ornaments and acrylic paint or permanent markers from your local craft store, and design ornaments that resonate with you.

3. Create Chinese paper cutouts and attach yarn for tree ornaments.

4. Finish your tree with a string of simple Chinese paper lanterns, Attach the lanterns to a strand of white indoor twinkling lights and use them to light your tree. Make extra lanterns, if desired, to hang around the rafters.

References

• Speaking of China: How to Make it a Very Chinese Christmas
• Asia Society: Chinese Cut Outs
• Enchanted Learning: Chinese Lantern

Resources

• Designer Ornaments: Chinese Symbol Ornament
• Jackie Chan Kids: Christmas in China