It's Time You Paid Off

　　It's Time You Paid Off

　　 Though fully a western festival, Christmas has somehow become more and more popular among young Chinese people. As the festival approaches, an atmosphere of warmth and affections seems to have begun to surround everyone. As it happens, this exotic festival nearly coincides with another national vacation time here, the day of year end, a good time to have some get-togethers with old school buddies or one's family, so this season does smell sweet to some.

　　 Some others don't seem to very much appreciate this double festival, though. It's a time for children, businessmen and women, they grunt, not for us breadwinners. So why do these parent-level people whine about such a season, which is supposedly sweet and pleasant to every man jack?

　　 This grouch mostly comes from this Chinese trend which has risen to a new high

　　over the years, that is, people now give money to show their affections and support. Yes, you've got it. Invitations. Invitation cards for anything they feel necessary. Wedding ceremonies, moving into a new house, or even funerals for the

　　dead are good reasons for distributing invitation cards to anyone you know and know of.

　　 Aren't they good occasions to meet with people? Outsiders of this nation, which boasts a long history of ancient culture and civilization, may ask. The answer

　　is, not if you have to pay for them -- pay through the nose for them. A few invitations may cost you a month salary's worth, or even more. Though it's considered inappropriate and uncomfortable to give money as gift in western culture, it'

　　s one of the best established and accepted practices here.

　　 For those who have once passed out the red fine-tickets -- as some receivers name it -- and raked in the perks -- small money as are claimed, it's the very time you paid off. And the interest isn't chicken feed. Only a social incompetent

　　would give the same sum as received. An extra 20% - 50% of the previous sum is expected. One single invitation at a time may not bother you very much, but it definitely becomes a pain in the neck if a few of them flood in at the same time.

　　With the current outrageous inflation in daily food and commodities, you just wish you had some place to hide from the creditors. Unfortunately you don't; so you'll just have to pull in your belt another notch or two for the next few months

　　and bitterly smile to people "it's more blessed to give than to receive."

　　 "What's up, man? You really look down in the mouth!"

　　 " ... Just ... don't you ask."

　　 Panpanpan.

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