Despite having a small apartment with a tiny tree and living in a country that is just now catching on to the Christmas craze, my Christmas was extra special due to the people I spent it with. Isn't that what it's all about anyways? Although I really miss driving around on a cold Maine night admiring the lights and decorations around my neighborhood, it's somewhat refreshing living in a place that doesn't put a whole lot of Hallmark value on Christmas. Only 25% of Koreans consider themselves Christian. Most of those people are really devout and spend their entire Christmas in church. Instead of Christmas being a family holiday, it's more religious, and for those who aren't Christian, it's more of a couple holiday. If you see anyone celebrating, it's couples going out to a nice dinner. Families don't normally get together and make big meals like we do. And trees are not common.
Despite the lack of Christmas cheer in the neighborhood, we had plenty to go around on Christmas Eve in our apartment. I tried my hand at green bean casserole, and also made holiday potatoes, chicken (there are zero turkeys here), and some other fixings. It was great to share our holiday with the friends we care about most. Actually, Matt's best man lives in Korea and his family celebrated with us, along with a few others.
Living abroad makes you realize that no matter where you are in the world, you can make a holiday special in your small corner, despite what is going on around you.
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| Our stockings we made, my name is in Korean |
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| Our Christmas corner |
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