Well my friends it has been quite a while since I have blogged and a lot of things have happened since then but I will just let you read my newsletter to see those updates. If you don't get my monthly newsletters and would like to then just let me know in a comment.
An interesting cultural observation I have made lately is in relation to the Christmas season. Chileans seem to get into the Christmas spirit like we do in the US and I am happy about that. The malls and streets are decorated, many of my neighbors have decorated and are discussing a Christmas party. All of this is great, but here is the odd thing. It is summer here in the Southern Hemisphere so Christmas is not a winter holiday, but a summer one. Strange huh? Now luckily for me I am from Houston and so a white Christmas is not at all normal but to have Christmas in summer feels a little off. even for me.
Me and my cute little tree
What is more interesting is that despite Christmas being in the summer time here, many of the decorations are still centered around snow. They have icicle (had no idea that was how you spelled that by the way) lights, snowmen and snowflakes and Santa wears his big winter coat. Poor Santa, he must be so hot. Why don't they let him wear shorts? I think it is just because much of the commercialization of Christmas comes from the US where snow is often equated with Christmas but I just can't get into it. I am trying to mostly avoid the wintery decor.
My front door sign. Now every time I come home I start singing "Feliz Navidad..."
I am trying to get excited for Christmas though despite my worry that I will just feel sad to be so far from home and my family traditions. I am just praying to have opportunities to spend it with Chileans who might also not have people to spend it with. Can't wait to see how they celebrate!
