More of our Korea Christmas

It's the day after Christmas here in Korea, but its been more like Christmas part two! That's because most of the day here was actually December 25th where our children and grandchildren live. Sometimes the time difference makes things weird. It's a mind game! 

Christmas away from home has been interesting. We certainly had a few moments of homesickness. We have appreciated modern technology like never before. We loved  our phone calls, Skype chats, Facebook posts, Christmas cards, American TV specials... everything that delivered some traditional Christmas to our little apartment. Our access to the PX and the commissary proved to be an extra  special blessing during the holidays. It allowed us to create a few holiday miracles and joyful memories here because they carry the ingredients/products we use to produce goodies.

Even with all things American, this was a Christmas we will never forget. Korea is not a primarily Christian country. Most people did not grow up with Christmas celebrations. Those we have talked to said they did receive Santa visits and goodies in a stocking. Otherwise Christmas is mostly a romantic celebration for couples. They are the ones that exchange gifts. We did see decorations at businesses around town, but none in windows of apartments- except ours. Stores do sell Christmas decorations and cards. Still- Lunar New Year or Cheosok are much bigger holidays here. It was both a challenge and a privilege to help provide some traditional Christmas experiences for a few Americans away from home. The most satisfying part of Christmas was seeing our guests enjoy each other. Such a strong sense of friendship and fellowship accompanied the treats and activities. The Spirit of Christmas truly became the Spirit of Christ. We are so blessed to serve here in this beautiful country and to enjoy such wonderful people.
 Here is a glimpse of our Korea Christmas:

Our District Relief Society leadership planned a wonderful activity. Sisters from all over South Korea came, many driving for hours just to participate. We enjoyed a progressive dinner. The music and activities were increasingly reverent as we moved from place to place. Fred and I were the closing speakers sharing a message about the temple and keeping Christ in Christmas. It was wonderful to gather with these fine sisters, most of them so far from home.


 Our mission party was held in Busan. We took a taxi,  a train and subways to get there. It was a wonderful day filled with music, Christmas messages, good food, and lots of young missionaries enjoying one another. We met in one of our church buildings with a  Korean touch- kimchee pots outside the front door and rows of shoes left in  the front entrance.



Our little military branch party was delightful. The food was great, but the real treat was the live nativity presented by our primary children. The six young missionaries serving the branch sang as the children posed in their roles. It was cute and very touching. Santa also sent one of his helpers, a handsome young soldier who did a great job of representing the man himself.

Christmas caroling to our Korean neighbors was one of my very favorite activities. The young missionaries helped us. Elder Jeong wrote a note in Korean for each plate of cookies we had prepared. It explained that we are the Americans in building 108  and we don't speak Korean, but are happy to be their  neighbors. It also included the phone number of the young missionaries (who all do speak Korean) and told them they could get a message to us through them. Then we took the plates and started knocking on doors- which is not common here. Elder Jeong would greet them then we would sing a song and give them the cookies. Most people were hesitant at first, but quickly warmed up to us. It was wonderful.

Christmas day 18 people joined us for dinner, a gift exchange and games. We enjoyed our time with these wonderful people. Our desire was to provide a little Christmas joy but we received much more than we gave.

It was a Merry Christmas for us.

One we will always remember.