Shèng dàn kuài lè…Merry Christmas!!! Literally translated, holy birth happy. It’s been super cold here. We thought our Texas blood couldn’t cut living in these conditions, but we are actually really enjoying the cold weather. Maybe it’s because it is a “dry” cold. Whatever the reason…we love it here!
Being in a country that doesn’t celebrate Christmas has been strange. Back in the states, we remember the month of December being a time of mentally shutting down from school/work, plus tons of reminders that Christmas is just around the corner. Here, the only visual reminder we get is a Santa sticker here and there. No Christmas trees, lights, music, and no days off from class (we told our teacher we wouldn’t be coming Thursday/Friday). Everything goes on as usual. But Kristen and I have worked hard to bring Christmas to China. I think Kristen put the Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving to get in the spirit.
We ordered the Christmas lights online… It’s the little things 🙂
One unanticipated Christmas blessing came from our university. They hosted a Christmas themed party for all of the foreign students, which included food, games (Danny participated, unaware of the amount of Chinese language that was needed to play), and a speech from the president of the University. They also bused us to a nearby town for some fun in the snow that included sleigh rides, snow tubing, horseback riding, traditional “Tu” people dancing lessons, and food in a yurt. We had a blast. Our school did a great job of making us feel loved!
Danny trying his best to participate in the game.
This was the entrance to the park…felt like we were a little too old.
Pony sleigh ride. Kristen was so afraid of getting kicked… or pooped on.
Danny riding a horse…He looks scared 🙂 One guy fell.
Tube runs
On Christmas morning we woke up early and hiked to a nearby mountain to see the sunrise. As we celebrate the light of the world coming to us, we wanted to start a new tradition…
Danny leading the way up the mountain with his flashlight.
At the top! We brought a thermos filled with Starbucks Coffee… priceless gift from the States 🙂
First light. We’re used to seeing the sun rise over the horizon, not the smog… but we’ll take it 🙂
Then it was back home for opening gifts! We were so blessed by family and friends who mailed packages to us.
🙂
Kristen’s gift to me…no more working out outside when it’s below freezing!!!
We miss our family and friends but we are truly blessed this Christmas!
nomadic texan 