The first time I went to Peking (Beijing) my native Chinese hosts took me to a fabulous old restaurant where the speciality was Peking Duck. We sat in an area near the musicians who played traditional Chinese musical instruments and a lady dressed in traditional garb was singing. I was the only Westerner in the entire restaurant.
It was September. I guess the musicians caught a glimpse of me because out of nowhere they started playing “Jingle Bells” as a treat for me. I was enormously amused and pleased. I tried to explain to my host about one-horse open sleighs but they had no idea what I was talking about. I also tried to explain that Christmas is not celebrated in September. I never could quite get them to understand so I just gave up.
Every time I see “Peking Duck” I remember that experience. It is one of those you cherish your whole life through. By the way, the duck was out of this world as you would expect. My hosts were popping cooked duck hearts into their mouths like popcorn and telling me how wonderful they are, but I declined.
What a great Christmas story! You couldn’t draw the sleigh on a napkin or something? And show them the calendar in your checkbook? :)