December 2009 @ Las Vegas, Nevada
Christmas, a traditional religious holiday in the West, has evolved into a global celebration. Its origins have faded into the background—what remains is a festive excuse for gatherings, indulgent meals, and sensory delight. As 2011 came to a close, the holiday spirit was everywhere: twinkling lights, joyful music, and friends planning either elaborate feasts or long-awaited getaways. For those of us abroad, Christmas often brings the longest stretch of official vacation time. Having not yet fully adapted to Western holiday traditions, travel naturally became the choice.
The two Christmases I’ve spent in the U.S. were mostly spent on the road. Amid the rush of the journey, I would occasionally pause to soak in the local atmosphere and experience the subtle warmth of a foreign Christmas. In today’s world, many people are exhausted by work and opt to stay home, embracing the comfort of quiet time. Yet, how many times do we say, “I must visit that place someday,” only to watch years slip by?
In truth, there’s not much free time in a lifetime. Why not seize the hard-earned moments to see the places you've dreamed of? There may never be a perfect time to travel—there’s no end to work or planning. Only decisive actions and an open heart can craft memories worth holding onto. As the saying goes, “A sad day is a day, and a happy day is a day—why not choose to be happy?”
This blog post is part of my ongoing “archaeological” project—dusting off old photos and memories. Back in my first year in the U.S., I visited Las Vegas with friends during Christmas. It was my first time truly feeling the American holiday spirit, and I was deeply impressed. Now that Christmas is here again, I want to share these “antiques” with you. After all, “Holidays are the same every year, but the people in them change.”
Note: The photos are in no particular order—I just hope to bring a little extra cheer to your Christmas.
The streets were buzzing at night. The Bellagio gleamed gold under the lights—an unmistakable centerpiece. Inside the casinos, an artificial sky of blue and white invited people to lose all sense of time, day or night.
Christmas Eve in Vegas was cold, but tourists filled the streets with undiminished enthusiasm. Even at 2 or 3 a.m., the crowds didn’t thin.
The Paris Hotel glowed in a vibrant display, casting the illusion of a European evening. Inside, the casinos had already dressed up for the holiday: grand Christmas trees stretched to the ceiling, glittering with festive charm. Reindeer stood proud beneath them, but Santa was nowhere in sight.
The pyramid-shaped Luxor was adorned with its own towering tree. The tiny sphinx outside was bathed in holiday lights, as if frozen mid-run. One corner even hosted a quirky interactive studio where guests could star in fantasy clips—riding flying carpets or pulling off stunts as motorcycle bandits.
Every golden Christmas tree in the Luxor sparkled with joy. Upon closer inspection, I even found myself “reflected” in the golden ornaments—many times over. Shopping in these opulent halls tested the strength of wallets and self-restraint alike.
Anyone who has been to Las Vegas knows that walking the entire Strip takes a full day—and that’s without entering the buildings. It’s easy to leave with regrets, always feeling like there was more to see. Maybe that’s just Vegas calling you back—offering a second round of joy, familiar friends, and shared discoveries.
Across the street from the dark green MGM Grand was New York New York, a miniaturized but impressively faithful recreation of Manhattan. The Statue of Liberty and MGM’s lion stood like two titans facing off. Around the faux city roared a roller coaster, echoing with shrieks and laughter.
The colorful facades recreated the gritty charm of old New York. Nearby, the Eiffel Tower rose into the blue Nevada sky. For just a few dollars, tourists could ride an elevator to the top and overlook the dazzling Strip. Though surrounded by fencing, you could still snap beautiful panoramic photos with the right angle.
From atop the tower, I captured the Bellagio’s music fountain performance—absolutely breathtaking. It’s said the artificial lake spans 9 acres, powered by 1,200 nozzles and 4,500 colored lights, at a cost of over $40 million. Free shows run every afternoon into the night, and they’re truly a marvel. Thanks to a friend’s Canon 500D, I was able to film an entire performance and am happy to share it here.
The sheer scale of Vegas architecture often feels lifted from science fiction—giant malls, ornate interiors, and themed hotels all blending together. At the Venetian, gondolas floated past under artificial skies painted with clouds. The shops and squares overflowed with visitors, swept up in Christmas spirit.
Even Southern California style made an appearance: the Statue of Liberty peeked through palm trees, while MGM’s lion roared its quiet encouragement.
As the sun set, it cast a fiery glow over the city, signaling the end of both the day and this journey. Traveling, after all, goes beyond sightseeing—it creates lasting memories, renews our love for life, and rekindles our awe of the world.
This marks one year since I opened this blog, though I’ve only truly committed to writing in the past month. I used to post occasionally on Sohu during quiet moments, sharing observations and emotions. Looking back, I see a younger version of myself—sensitive, curious, eager to capture life.
Two years have passed since I moved abroad. I’ve aged—perhaps grown more cautious or more grounded. But a month ago, I resolved to revisit those dusty memories, to shake off the cobwebs and remind myself to stay inspired. I hope these reflections become the stories I’m proud of tomorrow.
