Retailers rejoice as the glow of Christmas spreads in China

It is a typical holiday scene in the United States: a decked-out Christmas tree, twinkling lights and a line of shoppers waiting for Santa Claus.

Except for one thing ... it is Shanghai.

Christmas retail displays are becoming increasingly common in China and other parts of the world that do not traditionally observe the holiday. Global brands and local merchants are promoting the yuletide season with sales, tinsel and events, aiming to get shoppers to catch the Christmas spirit - and open their wallets.