Christmas in Hong Kong means a lot to me. It's got the lights, which are always beautiful, and the shopping, which is always enticing. What matters more, perhaps, is the spirit of the city, which shines through in all its splendour once a year at this festive time.

That impression was greatly heightened a few years ago when I walked into the white-marble lobby of the Excelsior Hotel on my return from a long assignment in Beijing. Rising above the murmur of the usual crowd of people, dressed for partying, was the beautiful voice of the girls' choir from the nearby StPaul's Convent School, singing the Christmas carols that have become dear to our hearts. Although I am not religiously affiliated, I found the atmosphere to be emotionally uplifting.

A woman takes a photo in front of a Christmas decoration in Hong Kong December 11, 2006. Hong Kong may be a beacon of free-market capitalism with the highest number of Rolls-Royces per capita in the world. But its residents are also among the world's most generous donors to charity, a trend that is accelerating. [Reuters]

That evening was made perfect when the most helpful receptionist of the hotel offered me an upgrade to a large harbour-view room when she discovered that they had somehow misplaced my reservation for more modest accommodation. "Merry Christmas," she said with a broad smile as she handed me the key.

It has almost become a fad for people in mainland cities, especially Shanghai, to visit Hong Kong during the Christmas holidays. Most packages, including flights and a two- or three-night stay in a top hotel, are booked out months in advance.

My friends in Shanghai love to talk about their Christmas shopping experiences in Hong Kong. I am not a seasoned shopper able to judge whether they really are getting such great bargains. But I can't help but think that they may have missed the biggest bargain of all in their non-stop shopping sprees. Hong Kong has a lot more to offer at Christmas than discount merchandise.

Winter is the best season in the monsoon climate of Hong Kong. There is plenty of sunshine during the day to take the bite out of the crisp cool air blowing from the north. The evenings can be a little chilly. But a light overcoat would do just fine.

To be sure, many Hong Kong families flock to the big shopping malls, which try to outdo each other with the most imaginative and extravagant Christmas decorations. Times Square boasts the tallest Christmas tree and Pacific Place is well loved by children for its mini playground, which has a different theme every Christmas.

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