Being away from home during the holidays can be tough. Watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas carols, and smelling fresh-baked cookies can make one reminisce of the wonderful moments at home during Christmas. However, I’m in Korea. I almost wanted to say, “stuck” in Korea, but it’s totally my choice to be here.
This winter in Korea has been one worst in terms of weather. It seems to snow every other day and the temperatures stay below freezing. It’s been really rough for most people living in Korea. With the weather, being away from family, and sometimes non-comfortable living conditions, you may think it has been really difficult for me personally. In reality, it’s been an amazing time.
Christmas Eve Dinner
I truly miss my family and friends back at home. I would have done anything to be with them during the holidays. However, I have gained a wonderful family here in Korea. They are made of people from all over the world with different backgrounds, lifestyles, goals, and beliefs. It’s been a great feeling to be so loved by these people. They aren’t blood related, but they are completely special.
Christmas turned out to be a great time and the beautiful Christmas morning snow was icing on the cake. On Christmas Eve, my friends and I had Korean BBQ and tons of meat! MERRY CHRISTMAS! After, we exchanged gifts at a nearby Starbucks. I received a backpack for my upcoming travels. It will be a great trekking across Southeast Asia. The next day was full of food as we went to VIPS, a Western style steak and buffet place. Yes, I ate my heart out and enjoyed every bit of it. That night we watched “Christmas Vacation” and ate more junk food. Overall, it was such a great time.
Gift Exchange at Starbucks
Christmas is really different from in the States. People are more interested in spending time with friends or boy/girlfriends. The shops are crowded, the streets are overwhelmingly packed, movie theaters are full, and there is no room in the coffee shops. It’s more like another Valentine’s Day and less like a family holiday. When I ask my students about Christmas, they would say, “Teacher, I’m sad. I am lonely. I don’t have a girlfriend for Christmas.” I did not have one either at that age, but that didn’t prevent Santa from entering my chimney.
Even though Christmas wasn’t spent with my family and doing traditional Christmas things, it was still a lovely Christmas. I may not have all of the necessary things for a proper Christmas, but I still have amazing friends. It’s all about people and who is surrounding you. I had a great Christmas not because I ate great food or saw snowfall, but it was great because the people were great. People really do matter, and I am thankful for all the great people in my life.
Merry Christmas
livingglobal 