Christmas Eve

Dec. 24, 2016
11:30 pm
Beijing, China

Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas is interesting here in China. Obviously, the religious aspect is not a big factor. There’s very little celebration of the actual meaning of Christmas. That said, the ch—ches that are here have Christmas services. I’m interested to see what ch—ch is going to look like when we go tomorrow. But even without that aspect, Christmas is a pretty big deal here. A lot of people have big parties or get togethers for Christmas Eve. I don’t know exactly how Chinese families do Christmas morning. But there are still Christmas decorations everywhere. Stores and malls have big, huge Christmas trees and sell lights and garlands. I was even caroled to today as I took the train through Beijing.

It’s weird to celebrate Christmas without being in the U.S. or with my family. Even though people have been talking about Christmas and making plans, it hasn’t felt real. I haven’t decorated my apartment because, yeah. And I did all of my Christmas shopping, but I didn’t actually wrap any gifts. All of the normal activities—cutting down a tree, making cinnamon roles, having dinner with the family—haven’t happened for me this year, so it didn’t feel real.

That changed today, though. Taylor and I were invited over to the Faggs for Christmas. We arranged to come over after work, spend the night, and then join them for ch—ch and Christmas celebrations in the morning. I didn’t have any clue what to get them as a gift, so I decided to make buckeyes and bring them over. It’s a lot harder to make those over here, I’ll tell you that. The ingredients are not easy to find. They don’t taste exactly like those back home, but I made enough to share with people at work, and they all enjoyed them. It was nice to do some “baking” and get my hands dirty in the kitchen. It also helped to get me in the festive spirit, as baking and making treats is something my sisters and I do this time of year.

Work today was fun. A couple of people brought in little goodies for all the teachers. Emily, our CD, bought us all nice chocolates. The PAs bought small gifts for the students and gave the teachers a small gift, as well. Everyone kept talking about party plans and wishing each other a Merry Christmas. I definitely realized that Christmas was actually here.

After work, I headed up to the north of Beijing to go to the Faggs. After about an hour and a half on the subway, I finally got to their house. I loved stepping inside to see the big, beautiful Christmas tree surround by presents of all different shapes and sizes. The kids were already in bed, but Cathy and Brian were still up getting things ready. It was nice to talk with them and help where I could. Taylor arrived a couple of hours later (she had to work different hours than I did). Now we’re curled up in bed, ready for Christmas morning to arrive.

Have a wonderful Christmas. I p—y that you all enjoy this time with your families and friends, make memories that will last for a long time, and stay safe. As you go through celebrations tomorrow, remember the true meaning of Christmas and remember to thank Abba for the amazing blessings He has bestowed upon you this year.

Merry Christmas,
Kristen