Christmas for me is a nostalgic time, filled with magical childhood memories of knee-deep snow, Santa Claus, family gatherings, jingle bells and air pollution.

Beijing at this time of year brings back all the holiday warmth I experienced so long ago in the United States. The distinctive odor of burning coal on a biting winter morning here is comfortable and familiar, like meeting an old friend after a long separation.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Ahh, the Yuletide joy!