It's The Most Peculiar (?) Time Of The Year

      I knew that today wouldn't be the typical Christmas that I've become accustomed to. There would be no driving to New Arbor Lake in Poplarville, Mississippi. There would be no gumbo, jambalaya, turkey, or oyster dressing. There would be no seeing my parents or Brandon. I did not however, realize what this Christmas day would be comprised of.

      I had to work today. I believe that was a first; and not for holiday pay like time-and-a-half either. So I already knew I was waking up early...but not 4:00 AM early. At least that was the time on the clock when I awoke to the chanting Buddhist monks. Not sure why they chose today but that was something outside of the usual Western Christmas realm. The laughter of children seem much more common on a Christmas morning.

      Thankfully it wasn't an ordinary day at school. The teachers were tasked with assembling a "Christmas Around the World" fair which would take place in lieu of regularly scheduled classes. Guess who was assigned the good ol' U. S. of A.? Yours truly! After imparting my knowledge of all things America on my students, I recruited a few to summarize everything that I'd taught them into an enormous work of art to be used in my booth...

How'd they do?

       In addition to the fair, the students put on a variety of acts (think talent show) all day long. Seriously, at least eight hours of ridiculous performances, dances, singing, and even a knife act. Yes, two kids got on stage and showed off their knife-twirling skills. One even blindfolded his eyes during the act (luckily no blood was drawn). Only in Thailand. There were also numerous lady-boys dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Japanese animation characters, Alice from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh, and a cow.

      This Christmas evening was wrapped up by getting dinner with my Farang co-workers and partaking in a White Elephant gift exchange. Tomorrow morning, we'll awake and cook a large potluck breakfast. Our intent is to have as many Western dishes as possible, but we know what we're up against. The lack of proper ingredients and cooking devices, utensils, or simply a kitchen at all will make this quite the formidable task.

      Although things didn't feel the same and the atmosphere was absolutely different (in the most bizarre way possible), it wasn't a miserable Christmas. Perhaps it was due to today's endless entertainment. Perhaps it was the elderly Thai women at school who take such good care of me. Or perhaps it's the fact that despite impossible distances, I am learning what and who I hold dear and am confident that they feel the same. That offers an infinite amount of comfort.