Earlier today I finished all my grading so far for the semester. Classes ended last week, and I don't have to think about school until January 2nd, when I must invigilate the final examinations. For all intensive purposes, I should be in a wondrous and joyful mood. I'm not.
Christmas will arrive in 3 days and for the first time in my life, I feel nothing. I am not looking forward to it in the slightest. This will be my second Christmas in a row away from my family and I am starting to feel more and more detached in my thinking towards the holidays.
Last year was my first year away from home during Christmas, and not surprisingly, it was a little difficult. However, a few factors made it more tolerable than I had anticipated; Opening up my presents on Skype while my family watched from back home, a great group of friends to spend the day with, a climate that was similar to that of Pennsylvania winters. While Christmas is not widely celebrated in mainland China, there are still Christmas decorations and Santa Claus greeting cards to be found. I spent the day with my fellow expat friends who were also missing their holidays back home, and together we made the most of the day.
In Hong Kong, it is a different story. The temperature on Christmas is supposed to reach 75 degrees. The other two teachers here with me have left Hong Kong. My computer at home does not support Skype. It has the capability of being an extremely boring day. I don't mind missing Easter, or Thanksgiving, or having a quiet New Year's, but Christmas is the one day out of the year where family and close friends are absolutely essential, and for the first time in my life I will have to make do without either.
Christmas greetings and salutations are welcomed and extremely encouraged. Phone calls would be an added bonus. I hope everybody has a wonderful holiday. Enjoy your family and friends. Let's prepare for the year ahead!
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