early Christmas x 4

Yesterday, we got to experience a little bit o' Christmas 4 times.

1. A student I just met on Friday came over to discuss Christmas. She is doing a presentation in a class on the holiday and wanted to know more. Of course, I told her the real story. I also shared other traditions. But I definitely made clear that the meaning of Christmas is being lost in the West. I hope that resonated with her; many Chinese treasure their history. All I know is that a seed was planted and she may have just planted many more into her classmates--without even knowing it! :)

I also picked up the mail.

2. A package from mom and pops filled with wrapped presents. It didn't matter that the items were listed on the customs form. We'll all still have fun opening the gifts on Saturday!

3. A package from friend Holly. A book, Starburst, and my long-lost love, CHAI tea packets. I had one immediately. So glad to be reunited!

4. A package from our company. What a nice surprise! It had hot cider packs, mini candy canes (I'll actually enjoy these this year since I'm not being inundated with them!), an ornament with J's pic in it, and a chocolate chip cookie mix. Tragically, a varmint (or so we think from the tiny teeth marks) found its way to the goodness. It ate a huge corner off the bag. Why not just eat what's inside?! Anyway, we are SO thankful for an organization that truly cares about us on "the other side."

More fun coming this week:
*our university is taking us to some sort of event/concert/thing that is put on for all the foreign teachers in Beijinng! It might even be a dressy event..fun!
*Christmas Eve white elephant/Jesus story/yummy food party with the LX fam (aka team)
*Christmas Day: open presents at home, open presents and eat breakfast with the team, then later have a dinner.
*sometime: skype with the whole fam--hopefully both sides!