Christmas in Seoul

즐거운 크리스마스!
Merry Christmas!

The lead up to Christmas here in Seoul is completely foreign to me. Which, I suppose it should be. Many people are unaware of the large Christian population here in Korea and that Christmas is celebrated here. It is not like home however. The commercialism is not as present, which is good. It keeps it more in touch with the roots of Christmas. Children, of course, are hopeful that Santa will bring them gifts, but they are less concerned with the latest toy. Many of my students wish for a new pencil case or notebook. This is not due to lack of funds, but lack of materialism as seen in the American market. The part of Seoul I live in is pretty affluent and many women carry designer handbags and wear expensive clothes, but for some reason my students are less concerned with the latest, greatest thing. They want games for their Nintendos (which many American children would desire as well), but they also are content with something they need like new socks or a pair of mittens. This is appealing to me. However, I miss the commercialism. I miss the huge displays in the stores, the special candy and a Santa around every corner. Korea has bell ringers and Christmas trees in the subway stations and many of the larger shopping areas, but they don't have overpriced, limited edition knick knacks.

While it only slightly resembles the Christmases I'm so used to, it is indeed Christmas. I awoke this morning with the same excitement I have had for the last 23 Christmases. I awoke to an alarm at 7:30 (because I had forgotten to turn it off) and tried to fall back asleep until at least 9:00. However, just knowing that I had presents to open and a family to call made me hop right out of bed. Last night I braved the crowds (and there were crowds, the most crowded I've ever seen the subway, COEX and Korea) and bought myself a few Christmas gifts. I was sad that I wouldn't have anything to open (because I'm materialistic and although I know Christmas is about the birth of Christ, I wanted presents). I came home and wrapped gifts, cleaned my apartment and got Starbucks. It was a crazy, non-traditional (to me at least) way to spend Christmas eve, but it did lend way to much anticipation for the morning.

I got up this morning, turned on the Christmas lights, called my family (who had to call me back because they were eating) and made myself breakfast. When my family called me back I promptly opened Christmas presents. I got a journal, a new case for my iPod, a couple of shirts and a pair of Converse shoes. Exactly what I wanted. Santa is so smart, but according to Norad, he thought Pyongyang, North Korea was really near Andong, South Korea. Come on Santa, that is a pretty crucial mistake. This afternoon I am headed to Caitriona and Sharon's for a Christmas party. I am making mini apple pies with mandu wrappers and apples, cinnamon and sugar. I will pan fry them. It'll be a good time with wine, food and friends. I can't think of anyway I'd rather spend my Christmas away from home.

I'm off to Tokyo tomorrow morning and I'll be back home (which I proudly call Seoul) on New Year's Eve, which I'll be spending with friends. I'm hoping for fireworks and champagne and all the things I've never had on New Year's Eve, my movie version.