Yes, I miss home. I miss the overall Christmas spirit that everyone is a part of, Christmas carols, lots of snow, fires roaring in the fireplace, but mostly the family togetherness. At the same time, I’m really excited that I’ll get to spend Christmas here in Korea, with my friends. There will be laughter, food, movies, and friendly togetherness. A fairly low-key Christmas. The biggest difference between Christmas here than back home is that it isn’t a huge deal. People don’t peruse catalogs and ads Thanksgiving night thinking of all the swag they’re going to try and score in the wee hours of the morning on November 26th.. There’s no big hullabaloo about working on Christmas Eve (even though I did that back at good ol’ Chili’s). I’ve been asking my students and friends what they plan on doing Christmas Day. Most responses have been “nothing much.” The normalness of Christmas is such a huge contrast with how it’s celebrated in America, and that’s the oddest thing for me. Although in the past few decades or so, Christmas has been a growing holiday here. The part that’s celebrated, however, is the secular aspect. Gift giving is done by some, although with the rise of Christianity in the area there are a growing number of people who celebrate the religious aspect (woohoo!).
So that’s my Christmas observation. On a completely different note, there have definitely been some interesting things that have happened lately. Sticking with the Christmas theme for now, I’d love to mention a great commercial that’s been showing. It’s for a bakery called Paris Baguette, and I think they’re trying to advertise to singles around this holiday season. It shows a man sitting in a couch alone watching a romantic movie. He then hangs his head, somehow showing that he is in such misery, when lo and behold! A snowman comes out of his tv, handing him a cake. If that isn’t odd enough, then the additional music tagline “You are not alone” will surely get to you. Thank you, Paris Baguette, for telling me to feel miserable for being single and alone. Oh wait! If I eat cake, then I’ll have food for company and feel great!
Moving on, what did I do Christmas Eve? I worked. But I was super excited to walk out of my apartment and see snow falling!! It snowed a good majority of the day, so it looks like Mokpo will have a white Christmas (another side not, it is impossible to find White Christmas online to watch. Terribly depressing). I headed to school with my bag of goodies for the students, as well as gifts for the other teachers. Kindergarten went well; we made snowflakes, played games, and made reindeer cookies. We also gave out presents that the students’ parents’ brought in. And guess who got to dress as Saint Nick? Yours truly. Of course, the moment I walked out, everyone kept saying “Maria Teacher!!” I then had to firmly deny this. But how can you do that well when costume resources are low and I decided to do it the day before? I did as well as I could, I guess. Anyway, everyone got to open their presents and many, many pictures were taken.
Some of these parents go all out, man. There were 2 students who got a cell phone. Let me remind you that those kids are 7. Seven. 일곱. Siete. Sette. But it’s Korea. Everyone and their unborn children have cell phones. Another student got a Nintendo DS. There were Lego sets, books, toys, and other gifts. It was still a great day. The afternoon was less exciting, since we weren’t doing anything Christmas-y for those students. How is it that we have a whole day of Halloween, but only a half-day for Christmas?
Anyway, the rest of the day went by, and then it was time for church! One 25 minute taxi ride later (thank you traffic/snow) and 6,300 won poorer, I got there! Usually it takes 10 minutes, and only costs around 4,000 won (depending on traffic and lights). Anyway, Mass hadn’t started because of how bad the traffic was. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this, but I’m the only American that goes to this service. Mostly everyone else is Filipino. Not that that’s bad, because it’s not, but it just shows how many Korean people are Catholic (actually, that’s not a good statement. 1- It’s the English service. 2- there are Korean people that go to said service). Anyway, after Mass, they all eat dinner together on a different floor. I went a couple times when I had just started going there (and they asked me to join), but since then I haven’t gone. Today was a different story. After Mass, they all wanted to take a “family” picture. I got to be in it too. Little awkward, slightly embarrassing. Then one of the younger guys wanted a picture with me. Sure, I’m the token American, take a picture with me! I was then invited to dinner. I gave it a shot. I really do want to be a little more engaged there so that the culture difference isn’t so palpable. Boy, am I glad that I did. Another guy, Neb, started talking to me, and we got talking. We ate, talked some more, and I got to meet his friends. We have a huge thing in common: we’re all foreigners living in Mokpo. A few usual antics pursued, such as a guy named JV (not sure if there are vowels involved or not) asking if I could teach him English, whether or not I have a boyfriend, etc. Today I got a new one: “Do you need a bodyguard? I will apply.” AWESOME. They were a hilarious, friendly group of guys, and I am so glad I stuck around.
Well, that’s it for the Christmas edition. Sorry for making it so long. I have lots more to talk about, but 1) it’s not Christmas related and 2) I’ll just write later. Wait, I’ll have even more to write about because I’ll be going to Seoul to see my…….MOM AND SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess you could say I’m a little excited. Oh my. Look forward to reading more from me soon!!
Merry Christmas to all!! Stay safe and warm, and enjoy it!!
It says Merry Christmas in Hangul. 메리 크리스마스!
