It's Christmastime in the City

Well, it was Christmas in Korea this weekend and it was fabulous. School ended at 3 on Christmas Eve and I RAN home to revel in the half-day off. Matt and I headed over to Katie's after a stop at Subway for our Pajama Pizza Party that turned into a sandwich party where we put Elf on, but talked too much to hear it. It was so nice just to sit around and enjoy each other's company, eating homemade cookies and talking about holidays past. We had a good old fashioned sleepover once everyone went home. I was paranoid that I would miss my alarm and miss my chance to talk to the fam on their Christmas Eve, so I hardly slept a wink. When I emerged from Katie's at 8:30 on Christmas Day, the city was silent. Few cars drove by slowly, the air was crisp, Korea was quiet for once. I thought I would have to walk home, pillow in hand, but thankfully a taxi eventually drove up.

I had precious little time to get in, throw my stuff down, and turn on my computer before Dad and my grandparents started yapping away. I'm really amazed with them. Everyone else tells me that their grandparents can't really fathom the whole concept of Skype: they think that this must be a previously recorded image they are viewing, but my Nonna and Nonno have just accepted that this is a talking telephone and it's free. They're really beyond their time.

They were at Sandra's house with her two daughters, enjoying a huge seafood feast. I was a little jealous, being that my last meal was a submarine sandwich. Mmmm (eye roll). It was so wonderful to see that my family was being well taken care of and surrounded by loving people. Heart. After two hours of seeing them, filling the air with Christmas wishes as I prepped my cream of mushroom soup for later that day, we said good night.

It was then onto Mum. I talked to her for another two hours, both of us laughing quite a bit about my nearly failed Thai spring rolls. I barely had enough time to shower, dry my hair, and gather all my stuff together to get to Erin's for Christmas dinner before 3 pm. That's what happens when you yak all day to folks from home: you're late. The party at Erin's was incredibly festive and full of food and drink. It really felt like Christmas, surprisingly, despite the fact that we are all so far from home. I guess the holidays are really just being around people who make you feel special, people who make you feel like home, even when you can't be there.

We had a gift exchange were stealing gifts that had previously been selected was allowed, so there was the typical family squabbling (well, not my family, but everyone else said it reminded them of home) about who got what. Then the requisite pouting when so-and-so didn't get what they wanted came next...it was cute.

Katie and I, soaking in the Christmas cheer...

Whoot whoot UWO alum! Ryan and I, serious...

...not so serious...kind of like Western ;)

We stayed late enough to digest a bit before taking the chilly, snowy, almost romantic walk to Happidus for a little night cap. It hardly ever snows in Korea, so this was not only a Kodak moment, but was entirely delightful to be in.

The walk to Beomgye...beautiful city lights, little traffic, twilight snowfall.

I love this time of year.

Tommy and I, bracing ourselves against the cold:

My friends at the local watering hole...

Deep in thought...a Christmas reflection, perhaps. This is Katie and Matt.

From me to you, from East to West, near to far, Merry Christmas. I miss you all terribly...I hope you had a happy holiday like I did, surrounded by special people who remind you that it's not where you are, but WHO you are that really matters.

The snow has been falling steadily today, coating the ground in a blanket of cold. It's magical.