The American holiday season is upon us, although it has a much different feel than I am used to. Being from Southern California, I didn’t have trees changing color to signal the beginning of fall. However, I am used to stores having Halloween decor up from late August until October and then being overwhelmed with Christmas items from November 1st to December 30th. I am used to passing out candy or getting free chipotle burritos on Halloween when I show up in costume. Fighting against Christmas music until after Thanksgiving is something I am always passionate about. Holiday parties, friend gift exchanges, and eating more sweets than I should are usually the way I spend the last three months of the year. This time, it all looks a little different.
I honestly kind of forgot it was Halloween. I showed up at school and saw most of our students in some type of costume and was sweetly reminded of the holiday. Unfortunately it rained that day, so we didn’t get to do field sports in costumes. Instead, I took a taxi to language class and spent my evening studying French. Thanksgiving is coming up and this year I will be participating in a potluck meal. We have the day off school, so I will join my teammates in the afternoon for games/appetizers and then head to another house for the potluck. We will be eating on the roof, sharing meals, and having conversations. This has become a pretty known tradition around here and I am excited because it seems like a lot of locals and other non-Americans join in on the festivities. I am not entirely sure what Christmas will look like. I will probably end up spending most of my time at my teammates’ house because it’s always better to be with a family. I have heard that the church service is really beautiful, so I am excited to experience that for the first time! Overall, I am a mixed bag of emotions. Remembering and missing my holiday traditions while in the same breath being excited and eager to participate in new ones leaves me emotionally exhausted. I am deeply missing family and friends back in the States but am beyond thankful and grateful for the family and friends I have surrounding me here.
I am being reminded over and over again in these last few weeks how much I have to celebrate. I serve a God who remains with me and in me, no matter the emotions or struggles I face. He has given me family all over the world who care for me and provide for me in ways I can’t ever repay. I have been blessed with friends who make me laugh and remind me of the importance of everyday joy. So yea, this holiday season is looking quite different. As it continues, I am expecting some hard moments, but I am also deeply anticipating real joy and laughter to consume my days.