Let's do this Dick Clark style

Why I Love Christmas

"I love Christmas because my mommy and daddy give me lots of fun toys and we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus." --That's the Sunday School answer (and in that order). And to some extent, that reason is still very true. But recently, I've been really thinking about what Christmas means, now that I'm somewhat of an adult. Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year, partly because it's not just a holiday but an actual time of year. The entire globe begins celebrating at least a month in advance, if not earlier. And I realize that's probably because we're a sales-oriented species, but I love the idea of billions of people anticipating the excitement that is Christmas. I personally love everything about it. I can handle the fact that I go two inches per hour in the mall parking lot if it means I come home to the smell of apple pie. I can bear the lists of books that people simply shove in my face at work as long as I can bask in the glow of my Christmas tree in the corner. I love Christmas. But I think the biggest reason I love it so much is because it is a sacred day, in terms of both religion and seclusion. It is a block of a full 24 hours that I get to spend with the people I love, no excuses. Nobody can back out of Christmas. There's no interruptions or previous engagements. And then you add in the fact that everyone is simply, selflessly giving. There's genuine thank yous flying around the room every five minutes. People like being loved and loving back. That's what I love so much about the idea of Santa. It's nice to think that there's some mysterious, generous person out there who lives to give us gifts and spread joy and love. I may be taking this too far, but to some extent I feel the idea of Santa is simply an embodiment of God: a kind Spirit, whose existence we often question, who genuinely cares if we're naughty or nice...just an interesting comparison. So if God is Santa and Jesus is Jesus ('cause he's already in the Christmas story), I'm pretty sure the Holy Spirit would have to be Rudolph.

I'm sorry, but we already have a George.

I'm thankful for international differences. I'm glad I'm a strong American woman, and I think that I'm appreciating that more when it's not taken for granted. I'm not saying that I was ever denied respect back home, but here, it's assumed (to some extent) that I'm stronger than I really am. And I love it. I love having to live up to it. But I'm getting off task. The point was that I love that I have something to distinguish myself amongst my colleagues (besides being a strong American woman). I love that I can make fun of them for calling it "Mary-o" instead of "Mario" and that I know what real barbeque sauce is. At the same time, I love hearing about all these great indie films and how to brew the perfect cup of tea. Their take on politics certainly is interesting. There's generally a much more liberal tone, which is great when it comes to being more accepting of people but takes its toll on moral values. But I'm really enjoying these breakroom conversations. I guess you could say that I like being unique, but I think it's more than that. I like that I come from a background where children are beaten over the head with the idea that you can do anything you put your mind to, cheesy though it may be...that I come with a fairly reasonable sense of self that will then allow me to revel in these little differences without feeling insecure or out of place. Sure, there are times when I feel like an idiot for saying "bucks" instead of "quid." But at the same time, I refuse to end every sentence with "Cheers" or say I'm going to "the loo"...that's just ridiculous. But I appreciate their ridiculousness...and continue to enjoy my own. I love the perplexed looks I get when I motion for someone to pound it or make a "your mom" joke. I mean, they understand what's going on, but they never expect it. It's so amusing. Several times now, my fun-loving supervisors have asked if I would help with some little project and literally do a double-take when I sarcastically reply "No." It gets 'em every time. The only problem is that I'm going home over the holidays, where my extremely old jokes will be greeted with the usual disgust rather than surprise. O, to be appreciated for my lack-luster comedic skills! But it's cool getting to work alongside the Average Joe, people that are just like me but not. It's like Bizarro-world or something. Next thing you know, I'll be addicted to tea instead of coffee, use Celsius rather than Fahrenheit, and drive on the left-hand side of the road.....

(with Christmas music playing in the background)

20 days and counting until we're back in the states.....