Season's Greetings & See You Later

Christmas was last week and it was half fast to say the least. Christmas in Korea almost feels more equivalent to Labor Day or Memorial Day in the states. Not to say I didn't have a good Christmas, but it is not nearly as big of a holiday here. There are decorations and trees put up around town, but more for show than celebration. For example, my students wrote letters to Santa and almost all of them included that Santa isn't real or is their parent in their letters. Also, we wore Santa hats (courtesy of my mom) and many kids commented on how silly they were or asked why we were wearing them. It's odd to see, what I assume is safe to say, my country's biggest holiday looked at from another, where it is merely just another holiday. 

Another part of the holiday that was probably the most upsetting was not being able to be alongside my family. It was difficult to see my family all together via Skype and knowing that I was the only one not there. To see my older brother there who I see twice, maybe three times a year, and to see my cousin who I haven't see in months since his departure for the Navy only made the matter worse.  Perhaps the biggest tradition that I missed was my grandmother's traditional Italian seven fish Christmas Eve dinner!

Although I did miss Christmas at home, I did enjoy my holiday here with my friends. We had a tree with presents that we opened on Christmas morning, we listened to Christmas carols, and we all talked to our families. But the one big difference was eating takeout rather than cooking a Christmas feast.

This season is sad, not only for missing Christmas, but my kids are moving up to middle school. I couldn't help but become attached to certain students. I've had most of my students since September and it's hard to think I won't see any of them on a daily basis anymore. My last class yesterday made me want to cry. All the little girls in my class asked for my cell phone number so they can text me and wanted to take pictures. It was adorable!! (Although I have a feeling they will still drop by form time to time for the seventh floor since they know I always have candy in my bag!)

We start our winter intensive course tomorrow and my classes have changed a good bit. I am now teaching younger and lower level students, including the new cupid class, which is the lowest level yet. I am excited to start seeing my kids three times a week instead of the regular twice a week. These classes will last until the first week of March.

Stay tuned...

Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae