It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like... Oh Wait, Nevermind

Celebrating the holidays overseas is never quite like in America.  Last year, for instance, my roommates and I found ourselves out doing some last minute shopping on Christmas morning and only opening presents that afternoon.  Our dinner also included shashlik, the Kazakh version of a kebab.  Not exactly Norman Rockwell-esque, but we made it work!

This year, however, has been the least Christmas-y of all my years overseas.  We never seemed to have time or energy to decorate or prepare anything during the week, and the between sickness and other issues, the weekends got away from us as well.  Before we knew it, it was December 21st, and we had yet to even buy a tree.  We found a small one on top of Colleen's wardrobe, but we never even put it up.

Our one attempt at seasonal decorations

This long weekend was a much needed break for all three of us.  We took a day to just chill out and do nothing, and then a day to do a deep-cleaning of our apartment.  I cooked, which is something that sadly falls by the wayside too often when we're teaching.  We hung out and watched movies.  It was a wonderful time to do all those things (including just relax) that we usually don't have time for. 

On the 24th we went to an American-run coffee shop to indulge in some holiday-themed coffee drinks (for Rachael and Colleen) and hot chocolate (for me).  Then we wandered downtown for an hour and a half looking for a mythical Mexican restaurant we'd heard about.  We finally settled for dinner at a nice place near fountain square.

Today we never even got out of our PJ's (which is why you'll see no pictures of us!)  We spent the day watching Christmas movies and cooking.  Rachael made cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and we had my mom's amazing pot roast + green beans and rolls for dinner. 

Dinner and a movie: "Miracle on 34th Street"

It was a lovely day, but despite the themed movies and the late-night skype with my parents, it just didn't feel like Christmas. 

One could assume that without all the usual trappings of the holiday in America (and don't get me wrong- I love the usual trappings!) I might have been able to focus more on the reason for it all.  And that should have been the case.  But unfortunately, that did not happen, at least for me.  In all honesty, it was just an extra day off work.

I don't want to let this one slide.  I think I'm going to take a day during our next holiday (for New Years) to celebrate Christmas again.  No decorations, gifts, heartwarming movies, or special meals.  Just me, Him, the Book, and the greatest story ever told.  Maybe some carols.  Anyway, that's the plan.  Please feel free to hold me accountable on this.