"It was our original intention to offer a Christmas dream to children that Santa Claus does exist when we first set up the team," said Yan.

To extend love to students in remote areas, Santa Clauses like Yan delivered books, stationery and sporting goods donated by residents on Christmas eve.

"Did you hear the kids stamping their feet? They are overjoyed to see me," Yan told Xinhua over the phone.

People in the north have shown their enthusiasm towards the festival despite the heavy smog. On Christmas Eve in Beijing, thousands of Catholics went to Mass at the South Cathedral, one of the city's oldest cathedrals.

Volunteers sold Christmas-related products including Chinese version of Bible stories and red candles outside the Cathedral.

Zhang Hong, one of the volunteers, is a devout Christian who attends Mass everyday. "Today, I came earlier to leave the space for more people to attend Mass and spend Christmas here. It's a good opportunity for Chinese people to understand Christian culture," said Zhang.

Besides those who take a more faith-based approach to Christmas, there are many who are curious about western culture and religion like Wang Liang, in the capital on business.

"I'm not Christian, but the time I spent in Tibet made me curious and interested in religion," said Wang.

Zhang Ziqi, 10, found the Cathedral the most interesting place on Christmas Eve. "Although we are not Christian, we enjoy the festive atmosphere and we want to let the kids know more about western culture," said Zhang Tao, the father.

At the Cathedral in Fengtai District, kindergarten teacher Yang Xiaoyu, 19, sang songs and offered ginger tea to people who waiting outside.

Yang's mother converted to Christianity three years ago after she was diagnosed with cancer and Yang followed in her mother's footsteps out of curiosity.

It's the first time she worked as a volunteer on Christmas and she has already felt the happiness of loving people.

"I've grown up here. The church members made me feel love and taught me how to give my love. We are like a family here," Yang said, after she finished her volunteering work on 9:30 p.m..