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One of the hardest parts about coming to Korea when we did, was the fact that we were going to be away from home on Christmas. It was especially hard at first because if you know anything about me you know I do love me some Christmas (so much so, that some have even jokingly dubbed me “the Christmas Nazi”). I’ve accepted the reality that I will be away for Christmas (and have dried my tears). I’m not going to lie, the fact that we just booked an eleven day trip to Thailand for Christmas made it a little easier. I’m not saying I won’t miss my family, hot cocoa, Zoo Lights, or a white Christmas but I am just going to have to settle for an ice cold bottled beverage, an elephant ride, and a white sand Christmas instead. It’s going to be rough, I know!

Since we will be in Thailand for Christmas, I’ve been trying to soak up the holiday spirit that is surprisingly all over Korea. We did have our first snowfall the other day, which was wonderful! If it is going to be this cold, I say bring on the snow. Snow always makes Christmas time that much better. For being a Buddhist country I have been thoroughly impressed with Korean’s Christmas decorating abilities. As you can see in the top picture on the left they don’t mess around here. When they decorate they go all out. Okay, I have to admit that is a Christmas Decorations store in Namdaemun Market in Seoul. There were several of these stores around the market, selling everything thing from life size reindeer to saxophone playing Santas.

Many of the buildings in Korea put up huge light displays that spread over 30 stories. All the shopping malls and retail stores put up decorations and play English Christmas Carols (I’ve heard way too much of Mariah Carey’s Christmas album!).

In school we are teaching our kids Christmas carols, which they are going to perform at the Christmas party. We each have to choose a song, teach it to our students, and have them ready to perform it by December 21st. This may sound easy, but let me tell you it is “bery” hard. My little four year olds have been given the task of learning “Jingle Bells”. They have the tune down so far but  I still can’t make out any of the words they are saying. Maybe I will have to shock the parents and just have my kids sing “U Can’t Touch This”.

P.S. Please send Fij for Christmas.

P.P.S. Justin, remember my list of things to do for Christmas and I will remember to get you those “happy pills” you wanted from Thailand.

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