Marion Belliard
Where are you from?
France.
How old is your daughter?
Taissa is 11 months old.
What are you doing for Christmas?
We’re staying in Beijing. Our family will be coming over, and we’ve invited our friends.
Where do you shop for Christmas presents?
I haven’t gone Christmas shopping yet, but I plan on going to Hongqiao and buying a tree from the [Liangma] Flower Market.
What was your best Christmas present?
My baby! She was born on the 24th of December.
Favorite place to take little ones during winter?
The playground at The Place.
Helen Robertson
Where are you from?
I’m Australian/Canadian.
How many kids do you have?
Alex is 4-and-a-half, and Sophie is 3.
What will you do this Christmas?
We’re staying in Beijing and having lunch with friends. We’ll probably go to the Kempinski Hotel’s big brunch.
Best Christmas present you’ve received?
My daughter Sophie was born December 15th, so she’s my best present.
Best restaurant to take the kids?
Sunday brunch at The Orchard is good, and they have a kids’ playroom.
Where are you doing your Christmas shopping?
I’m going to the bazaars: the British Embassy bazaar, Canadian Embassy, and the International Fair at The Orchard. I sing in a gospel choir that will be performing at the International Fair, which is another reason why I’m going.
Stephanie Giambruno
Where are you from?
The US.
What do you do?
I’m a freelance TV producer.
Are you staying in Beijing for Christmas?
No, we’re going back to the States for three weeks. We’re visiting family and two of our friends from Beijing are getting married in Florida, so we’re going to that, too.
Best spot for Christmas shopping?
Nanluogu Xiang, you can find really artistic, individual things there.
Where do you take your little one during winter?
The Blue Zoo because it’s indoors, and my friends and I organize
playgroups at each other’s houses.
Best winter restaurant?
For dinner we like the Vineyard. For brunch we go to Chef Too.
Diana Gan
Where are you from?
Australia.
What’s your daughter’s name?
Bella, and she’s 18 months old.
What are you doing this Christmas?
We’ll be going to my sister-in-law’s place in Shunyi. The whole family will be there.
Best place for Christmas shopping?
I like lots of different places like Capital Land, The Village and Nali shopping mall.
Worst present you ever received?
A pair of socks.
Favorite winter restaurant?
Dong Lai Shi hot pot on Gui Jie, and we love burgers, so Let’s Burger is another favorite.
What do you want for Christmas?
I would love it if Bella slept through the night!
Photos by Judy Zhou
