'Why Do Jewish Families Eat Chinese Food on Christmas?'

The tradition of Jewish people eating Chinese food on Christmas, particularly in the United States, stems from the fact that many Chinese restaurants were historically open on Christmas Day, offering a readily available dining option for Jews who might not have other places to eat on a Christian holiday, often feeling like outsiders during the season;

[ShannonDerie]

It’s not that complicated.jews ate at Chinese restaurants at Xmas because in most city’s they were the only ones open

[celestegross]

I was always jealous of my Jewish friends on Christmas. NY Chinatown is insane. So good. Now my family eats Chinese every Christmas.

[LarryNg-mxqz]

Nothing beats good Chinese holiday multi course meals for value, cuisine and choices

[johnyricco]

It's a bit of a misconception that Chinese restaurants are open on Christmas because Chinese people are not Christian. In fact restaurants are open in China during all Chinese holidays, including New Years.

Chinese people celebrate holidays by going out. Many eat at home of course, but enough go out that restaurants make far more money during holidays.

Restaurants are a center of social activity. People get married there. Even Chinese Christians go out to eat for Christmas. Closing during one holiday would lead people to doubt if you're open on other holidays.

Other Asian restaurants like Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Indian are in my experience, unlikely to open for Christmas.

[HHH-nvxb]

It may be a matter of available selection. Many other places closes while Chinese restaurants remain open.

[arfriedman]

I cant see very religious jews going into a non kosher restaurant that also has pork. The animals were not slaughtered properly.

[simondan]

This is creepy... I'm a Jew and just came back from a Christmas dinner in a Chinese restaurant with friends.
What's going on here!? Who is spying on me? NSA? CIA?
And why spend effort on a boring person like me? 🤣🤣🤣

[JaySchwartz-kv]

My two favorite Chinese restaurants ( Shang Chai, and Moshah Peeking, ) closed down.

[JohnVKaravitis]

3:17 In other words, "I make the rules, but YOU have to follow them. I am EXEMPT from the rules." Yes, yes.... We undertand.
Hey, have you noticed that "Christmas" and "Chinese" both begin with "Ch"?

[EleoraMsia]

Gentle reminder...
local Chinese food made by local is great ideal.
if from China be careful, unknown ingredients, just beware and take notes.

[skatingcanuck]

This tradition is not only in the US. It's in Canada too.

[tonysu]

Hiw many options do you have if you want to eat out on Xmas day. Chunese restaurants are the only ones open like any other day although recently there may be a special weekend or holiday prices.

[fobxxl]

I had Jewish friends who were invited to my home for Christmas one year and after about 1 hour excused themselves because they had "other" stops to make, and at one point were overheard in another room saying, "Come on, we have to leave. Our reservations at the Chinese restaurant are in an hour !" Needless to say, they were never invited again. Why bother ?

[akiicomber]

Are Chinese restaurants serving kosher food?