Hey Folks,

I hope this entry finds you all safe and sound, warm and indoors and away from the weather! Even though I'm sure you are already getting sick of the cold and the snow, I wish I had some. Just a little.

Does that make me crazy? I don't think so. There's just something fundamentally strange about not having any snow, freezing rain, or even ice on Christmas. I'm wearing sandals and shortsleeves as I write this next to my open window. It's around 70 degrees and sunny here, in Taiwan and as nice as it is...it's also kind of odd.

I just don't feel jolly in weather this warm.

That's not to say that there aren't any Christmas decorations around, there are surprisingly plenty. Department stores are playing Christmas music and there are huge displays of fake wreaths, lights, garlands, and ornaments. There's even a tree in the lobby of my building. This is considerably more than I ever anticipated; Christmas is a definitively western holiday. Christmas trees and lights and all that stuff seems really out of place here, without any snow. The only snow I know of is high up in the mountains to the east of me.

Imagine a five hour traffic jam of cars filled with people that are going to see snow, and willing to wait.

Yes, that actually happens. That may seem strange to us, but look at it in the reverse: What would your reaction be if palm trees sprouted all over New Hampshire and the temperature never dropped below 50?

I know, I know, sounds nice. And it is, to a certain point. Yes it's sunny and warm, no there isn't any snow, but to me that has made a familiar holiday into something foreign. Makes me homesick, to be honest. I think it's the tradition that I'm used to: snow, zany shopping trips to the mall, family time, holiday food (oh dear lord what I would do for some pumpkin pie and egg nog). But I think it's good to do that, to step outside the familiar and experience things in a new way. That sounds a little redundant as I'm living in a foreign culture on the other side of the planet...but I think it especially applies to days like this.

So, reflect on that which you have and probably take for granted. Maybe your tree isn't perfect, or the turkey got a little burnt, or the weather is cold and wet, but you are home. You have your families and friends, you have good food and familiar surroundings, the good feeling of giving of being selfless, at least more than usual. And look at it this way: I'm nine thousand miles from home, from friends and family and all that I hold dear. Take a moment and be thankful, because I am. And that's really what this day is all about.

Have a safe and happy holiday. I'll keep my eyes open for any fat guys in red sweat suits.

Merry Christmas!

-Nik