The Great Christmas Hope

Who says Korea is not much into bright lights and holiday greetings for the Christmas season? Then hug this early banner. I got surprisingly excited when I saw these lighted words on a Friday November night in Myeongdong— a popular fashion district here in Seoul. Hope suddenly crept into me: Yes, Christmas this year may be far from home, but it’s going to be fine. I’ll get by.

And get that: The greeting already has a pre-wedding cheer for everyone. Haha-- BEST WISHES!

The whole world knows, of course. There is no greater Christmas like the one in the Philippines. Or to put it aptly, so as not to create qualms from other nations, there is simply no Christmas like home. It’s just 40 days before Christmas Day, and I can’t help but think how it’s going to be an extraordinary way for me to celebrate this year, in a place that is not really into the perks of the season. Get that— extraordinary. I’m trying to sound positive about the whole thing. Haha. Do I sound so anticipating of a gloomy Christmas?

This early, had I been in the Philippines, I sure would’ve gone to Divisoria with my decorations-freak mother to buy Christmas lights and other ornaments for the house. I would’ve started saving money so I can do my Christmas shopping when the first week of December comes. My list of people to prepare gifts for would’ve been earlier completed, and I would’ve bought each of them the best personalized gift that I could think of. I love my family and friends, and though I’ve never really been the typical sweet girl— I’ve always strived to be as thoughtful and discretely appreciative of people whom I genuinely care about.

I’m not really gritting over Korea’s lack of the Christmas spirit, since their predominant religion (Buddhism) doesn’t really offer such need for Santa Clauses, pine trees, and carols. They have the Lunar Year celebration in January or February to be festive about, anyway. I was told that a considerable share of the Catholics here in Korea still celebrate the Christmas season, but it’s just not as elaborate compared with other countries in the globe. So it could just pass like an ordinary day.

Anyway, 40 days people! I’m doing the countdown! I mean, look, they even greeted me here already! Teehee.