Christmas in Korea is not a big deal. Like seriously, I almost feel like nobody cares about Christmas except to take advantage of the sales. We found ourselves missing the festive spirit that invades your life from October to January in the states, so we ended up doing a lot of things this season to make our own festivity. This of course, started at school and culminated in an awesome ringing in of the New Year! Thus, here are the Chronicles of our Korean Christmas:
We started things off with a triple birthday party for three of our kids, followed by crazy amounts of Christmas-themed hubbub. My afternoon class still managed to find time to Skype my dad, though (which they LOVED doing, by the way).
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| From Left: Alice, Jihyun, Lucas, Peter (my favorite class) |
Santa came to LCI this year and brought presents after the Christmas plays (which will come in a post soon, I promise!) The kids also wrote letters to their parents. Jay's and Yeriel's were the best.
Taggart's class is so funny. My kids are learning to tell time, while his kids are learning the organs. Here's Jay dressed up for the play in a costume his mom made (awesome!) and Yeriel being Vanna to some awesome Taggart sketches:
Taggart also teaches my kids in the afternoon. He always gets the best shots. Here's Jay wearing Taggart's earmuffs, and Lucas and Peter having a crazy hair moment:
We did make it to the temple before I lost my wallet (and my recommend!). It was really pretty, even in the biting cold!
Seoul just becomes a frozen wasteland in the winter. We had a magical couple of weeks in December where there was light snow, but now (and for the most part) it's just brown. I guess Koreans just make up for it by having the best Christmas displays ever, and they are everywhere.
Of course, they also make up for it by having endless supplies of amazing cold weather comfort foods. This is (one of) my new favorite finds: Shabu Shabu!!!
***SHOUTOUT to Heather for introducing me***
The best part of our vacation was that our friends Sean and Claire came to visit us from Okinawa! We got to stay with them in Yongsan for almost a week, and we had a blast. They also brought their daughter with them, and she was a hoot! We opened presents with her on Christmas morning (though she only got to open one, because babies take FOREVER to open presents).
Tyler was SO popular here. Like, we are officially chop liver forever next to her. In the most memorable instance, we got basically accosted by a little old lady working in this great mandu restaurant. She basically took Tyler right out of her parent's arms and carried her or pushed her in her stroller... for our entire meal. But, that's just Korea. The phrase "it takes a village" really applies, and everyone here dotes on babies. It was pretty unsettling for Sean and Claire at first, I'm sure - Taggart and I have seen enough of it to kind of not notice as much anymore.
The highlight of the trip (for me, anyway) was taking them to Gyeongbokgung palace. It was a clear day when we went (the warmest while we were there), and Tyler was really happy and social. We were able to get some great shots!
Of course I needed to get a short doorway pose or two...
...meaning I also had to exploit Taggart's height, obviously.
Here are some more drool-worthy pictures courtesy of my better half!
We had so much fun, you guys!
Here's some opportune Chinese Zodiac signs, to ring in the year of the sheep!
Tyler was a peach the whole day. She was happy and smiley, and giggly to strangers. Of course, anyone she saw loved her and so the going was a little slow haha.
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| I love this picture! |
Here are some people who asked to take a picture with her. This is one shot among many.
This kid is a well-seasoned traveler already. She meets strangers easily, takes the subway and bus, stays in hotels, eats street food, and buys shoes from market vendors. While dressed as a gummy bear.
I love this shot of us walking down the street. Thanks, Taggart!
We wrapped up 2014 with a New Year's Party and two sinus infections. The party was infinitely more fun, believe me! We have an awesome Korea family here. Happy 2015!
So now, it's back to school and life as we know it! I miss vacation already. I think this picture sums up back-from-break mentality perfectly. More to come soon!
