Proof of this trend can be found in a section of the gargantuan Futian Market, home to dozens of shops unimaginable in China 20 years ago. They are stuffed with Christmas lights, artificial trees, ornaments, tinsel, plastic angels, plastic wreaths, plastic bells, Santa suits, inflatable Santas, cardboard-cutout Santas, Santas on a stick and just about any other yuletide paraphernalia anyone could want.

China is ruled by the officially atheist Communist Party. But the country exported $939 million in Christmas-related goods in the first 10 months of this year, more than half of it going to the United States, according to China's customs office. That doesn't include the $6 billion worth of toys it exports annually.

China is the leading source of artificial Christmas trees, ornaments and Christmas lights for the United ...