This was because I hated what Christmas has become in the West; a season of goodwill and smiling faces, the thrill of shopping or making gifts.
This year, however, as I reflected on the things that I am thankful for, I discovered that living in China for over a year has given me a very different perspective on gratitude.
Many teachers in China must do as they are told and achieve high results with their students or face deduction of salary or dismissal.
President Xi's UK visit in foreigners' eye
Sino-US love stories
Global views on China's WWII anniversary
