A Holiday Hello
~
2003.12.24 22:21 KST (EST + 14 hrs): Suwon, Republic of Korea
Skinny yellow deliverymen on mopeds, in Santa suits, dot the roadscape, a few lights sprinkle the night view, and children holler "Melly Chlistmas" when you pass by. This is Christmas in Suwon.
This season, as I've become fond of remembering it -- and have come to know it -- is much different from a Korean view. From this perspective, although my eyes read "December" on the calendar and my body senses the encroaching cold, the holidays are otherwise pretty unevident in this neck of the woods. Nevertheless, as branches remain bare and scarves come out of hibernation, my brain deciphers the embedded rhythyms of a time called winter solstice, and knows that the Holidays are upon us.
Of course, most years around now, I'm snuggled up in snowy Ottawa, watching the plow's blue lights flicker into my living room, knowing that in a few days, I'll be enjoying the creature comforts of good company, home-cooked meals and the fond memories of seeing so many smiles in one place at one time.
Admittedly, in the past, I've largely taken these things for granted, knowing that another year would come and go like the last, only to be on us again before even the garland and the lights were boxed away. I've seemingly also taken for granted that my family and friends were only seven digits, or blocks, away. Unfortunately this year, I'm a tad further than that. If only in body, my mind is back home, wishing I was closer to someone warm because, after all, these times really only do come once a year.
Having said that, I wish you all the best that comes with the season. Be kind. Share. And remember: if you can't give gifts, lend a helping hand or a caring ear.
From here to there, be good to each other and leave something good for Santa.
S*
Fave current track(s): "The State of the Union" - Thievery Corporation, "Brothers and Sisters" - Blur
Current read(s) in progress: "Esquire Presents: What It Feels Like:*to Walk on the Moon*to Be Gored By a Bull*to Survive An Avalanche *to Swallow Swords*to Go Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel*to Be Shot in the Head*to Win the Lottery" - A. J. Jacobs (ed), "General Knowledge Quiz Book 2: For the Making of Masterminds" - Philip Carter & Ken Russell
2003.12.24 22:21 KST (EST + 14 hrs): Suwon, Republic of Korea
Skinny yellow deliverymen on mopeds, in Santa suits, dot the roadscape, a few lights sprinkle the night view, and children holler "Melly Chlistmas" when you pass by. This is Christmas in Suwon.
This season, as I've become fond of remembering it -- and have come to know it -- is much different from a Korean view. From this perspective, although my eyes read "December" on the calendar and my body senses the encroaching cold, the holidays are otherwise pretty unevident in this neck of the woods. Nevertheless, as branches remain bare and scarves come out of hibernation, my brain deciphers the embedded rhythyms of a time called winter solstice, and knows that the Holidays are upon us.
Of course, most years around now, I'm snuggled up in snowy Ottawa, watching the plow's blue lights flicker into my living room, knowing that in a few days, I'll be enjoying the creature comforts of good company, home-cooked meals and the fond memories of seeing so many smiles in one place at one time.
Admittedly, in the past, I've largely taken these things for granted, knowing that another year would come and go like the last, only to be on us again before even the garland and the lights were boxed away. I've seemingly also taken for granted that my family and friends were only seven digits, or blocks, away. Unfortunately this year, I'm a tad further than that. If only in body, my mind is back home, wishing I was closer to someone warm because, after all, these times really only do come once a year.
Having said that, I wish you all the best that comes with the season. Be kind. Share. And remember: if you can't give gifts, lend a helping hand or a caring ear.
From here to there, be good to each other and leave something good for Santa.
S*
Fave current track(s): "The State of the Union" - Thievery Corporation, "Brothers and Sisters" - Blur
Current read(s) in progress: "Esquire Presents: What It Feels Like:*to Walk on the Moon*to Be Gored By a Bull*to Survive An Avalanche *to Swallow Swords*to Go Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel*to Be Shot in the Head*to Win the Lottery" - A. J. Jacobs (ed), "General Knowledge Quiz Book 2: For the Making of Masterminds" - Philip Carter & Ken Russell
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