Love is in Stiles: December (11 months)

December (11 months)

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December was a very busy month for us. And I'm sure we are the only ones who feel that way ;)

December 8th is Scott's birthday, December 12th is my birthday, my parents arrived for their church mission in Macau on December 22nd, and then there was Christmas!

Christmas living so far from family means a lot of advanced planning. It felt a little bit weird to me, in the States I do like to plan presents early, but still. Almost every present we bought was delivered from an online store, or came in the form of a gift card. Which meant there was virtually no presents to wrap. Then we didn't have a Christmas tree- our flat is too small and they can be pricey and hard to find here. There was no snow. And we are in a largely non-Christian city. I looked and looked in all of the decorated stores and displays, but there was not one reference to Jesus anywhere! That made me sad.

All the time here I realize how little I know about the world and all of the different cultures (remember how I didn't know Malaysia was a country?...)! Growing up we had these 'international Santa's' set up on the mantel that were ceramic Santa Claus' from different countries. I always liked the one from Mexico where Santa was riding a donkey with the gifts in a saddlebag. I guess I always thought that everyone at least knew what Christmas was, even if they didn't celebrate it. But then we came here, and although there were Christmas lights and sales in every store there was no mention of Jesus. A little girl in our branch at church was saying that none of her classmates knew that Jesus was the reason we had Christmas :( .

But on a lighter note- my friend from Japan, Ai, was telling us that in Japan Christmas is synonymous with KFC. Apparently KFC cornered the Christmas advertisements when the holiday was first becoming big in Japan, and now fried chicken is the traditional Christmas dinner. She showed us a picture of a big statue of Santa ringing a bell and holding a bucket of chicken. Also, my brother in law, David, told us about his Christmas experiences in Taiwan as a missionary. At the time Taiwan was just starting to celebrate as well. He saved a few of the Christmas cards they sold. One with babies skydiving in camo with guns, one with bombs exploding everywhere, and one where you could punch out paper ghosts and hang them on your Christmas tree as ornaments. So close to the concept of Christmas. Yet so far.

But back to our Christmas in Hong Kong- it was very different. But still great. We had my parents sleeping on our sofa bed, so it was kind of squishy, but so so fun to have them here! David's sister, Tori, and her family were staying at Sunnee and David's house. In total there was 8 adults, 6 children, and 2 babies. Poor Sunnee was an amazing hostess, and her house was stuffed to the brim as we gathered there for dinners and to hang out for most of the week.

I am so thankful I get to be with family, even half way around the world. I am also grateful that everyone gets along. And, although I am not writing this blog post until nearly Valentine's Day, I am so thankful for Christmas. It is a great time to reflect on how you are living, to try and be more Christlike, to give to others and try to see their needs. Isn't everyone so much softer, friendlier, and merrier during Christmas time?

I love it.

Now enjoy some pictures!

David's sister, Tori, had a baby boy just a little younger than Mav. They had lots of fun together!

Christmas Eve

The crew took the Star Ferry to see the Christmas lights on the skyscrapers. Then we watched the light and laser show that the skyline does.

Part of the Christmas Eve skyline from the Star Ferry.

Christmas Day

Tori's husband and 3/4 of their kids.

Kale was very excited about his personalized Minecraft mug.

We may not have had a Christmas tree in our flat, but the Bishops had a beautiful one in theirs! Surrounded by presents!

Maverick loves his uncle David!

Sunnee and I made this Christmas stocking for my parents. The Holbrook family all has these giant felt stockings that my mom made when we were little, with characters on them. Most of us have continued the tradition, so me and Sunnee made a special version for my parents while on their mission! Here they have a shared missionary stocking, with them both wearing missionary name badges (the flags of Macau and Hong Kong)!

There is always lots of help opening gifts.

A nativity set was a hit!

Another Holbrook family tradition. My parents give the son-in-laws gifts wrapped in Victoria's Secret bags.

On Christmas Maverick discovered his love of spoons. He now carries them with him everywhere, he even sleeps clutching them.

Since we left Hawaii me and Scott have not been able to find our original Christmas stockings. So this year I made us some new ones (much assisted by my talented sister Sunnee). From left to right our family stockings are; Scott as Dwight K. Shrute from The Office, Maverick as Dirk Novitski from the Dallas Mavericks, and me as a Hula Girl!