And So This Is Christmas

Well before anyone knew it Christmas has come and gone yet again, and although it's late to be doing so, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Remember, that Christmas can last as long as you want, or at least as long as you can survive on only turkey sandwiches and nog.

Christmas felt particularly tame this year, and it seems that I, friends, and family all had a light version of the usually holiday blowout we've enjoyed in past years. I blame the economy and Sarah Palin. Hey! Fun fact. Did you know that Sarah Palin is actually a cluster of silkworms painted to look like a woman? Well, now you know.

I've done my best to feel the Christmas spirit by decorating, listening to Christmas carols, and watching holiday specials. But as usual what I really want for the holidays is snow, and Korean winters aren't really equipped for snow. On the Monday before Christmas I was at the gym in the evening, and as I was leaving, the manager warned me of the weather outside, saying that it was very "slippery" and "dangerous". I thanked him for his concern and told him I would take my chances, but deep down I was half-excited that I might see a blanket of snow, or freezing ice pellets, or something to remind me of Canada. When I got outside, I was met with the lightest of snowfalls floating to earth.

I took my time walking home, enjoying the snow, and it was one of the few true Christmas moments I had this year. Sadly it had all melted by morning. What amused me though was that I had been warned that it was dangerous. For me, a dangerous amount of snow is one that requires military intervention. For Koreans, it seems to be any amount of snow that reaches the ground. When I was a kid we used to always get incredible snowfalls that were perfect for building forts. I don't think Korean kids know the joys of digging tunnels through mounds of snow, or schools closing because the roads are slippery.

Once in Halifax I opened my front door to encounter a wall of snow with the imprint of the door in it, and I had to dig my way out with a broom. Another time me and friend braved an intense snowstorm to go get hamburgers. We were bundled up as if we were ascending Everest, and the blowing snow limited our vision at times to a few feet. If some of my students had witnessed that weather, it might look as if the end of the world was near, but at the time, it was simply an obstacle in the way of food. These are the memories that come to mind when I think of dangerous snow, and I'm sure my brother could top any of these stories.

Anyway, I wish you all happy holidays. I hope the festive season and New Year bring you whatever you desire most. Be it a the company of someone you love, a thoughtful gift, or an avalanche of snow.