….dressed in Holiday style.” Silver Bells is one of my favorite Christmas songs, but unfortunately this year not even that song could get me completely in the swing of Christmas. I am sure this has mostly to do with the fact that I am away from home, there is no snow (when the temperatures are pushing 90 everyday, its hard to remember its actually December) and that I am not in the warm, pleasant company of my own family. But Christmas is celebrated here more or less the same, just not as extravagantly as in the States, so, it has been nice to be surrounded by simple things that remind me of home during this time of year… lights lining in the streets, holiday music being played in the busy stores, and seeing Santa Claus and elves in the metro for excited children to sit on his lap and rattle off their desired gifts (Note: I feel sorry for the poor men that have this job though, dressing for the North Pole in such hot temperatures has to be awful).
Even with all these little reminders, the past few weeks just simply have not felt like Christmastime. Gratefully, I did get to encounter a little bit of snow when I climbed the volcano in Pucón, a town in the south where we spent a “mini-holiday vacation.” Climbing the volcano was one of the coolest and most intense things I have ever done. After about 6 hours of ascending, summiting and looking into the crater was such a exciting experience! The highlight, however, was sledding down the entire side of the mountain on my butt! It was incredible to let the inner-child free and be a big laughing kid all the way down, at the same time as soaking up a breathtaking view. It was surreal.
Suited up for the slide down.
The entire trip to Pucón was very nice. I loved being outdoors doing some hiking in the beautiful, old forests or just sitting next to a beautiful, calm lake. It was wonderful.
At lake Villarrica, with Volcán Villarrica in the background.
Upon returning from Pucón, the sense of Christmas was a filling the air a little more. Gretchen and I spent Christmas Eve with Monica, the woman we live with, and her daughter’s family. It was a very relaxing and welcoming evening, filled with laughter, entertaining conversation, especially with her son Ignacio (who, at 13, was not only a very outgoing kid, but also very well-spoken), a visit from Viejito Pascuero (Santa Claus) and even Christmas turkey. The visit, after not having had dinner until about 10pm, went late into the early morning and even though I started getting very tired, the entire experience was very enjoyable and tender. It finally gave me a better feeling a Christmas :-) Below is a picture of me and Gretchen with Monica, left, and her daughter Paula.
I guess no matter where I am in the world during the holidays, I can always experience Silver Bells in little ways. I can see the people passing, children laughing, and meet smile after smile. I guess smiles are the most important part of the holidays anyway. Gretchen and I definitely shared many smiles on Christmas day as we did some planning for our February travels, ate lots of pancakes and simply enjoyed relaxing and being lazy all day. Not a typical Christmas day, but it was what both decided we needed, so it was great!
Although I can’t hear the snow crunch now, it can still be Christmas like at home, even if only in my dreams. I am just thankful that I have such wonderful family and friends. It never seems like I am so far away because at heart, we are all so close. But, being on these busy, city sidewalks in Santiago, I have realized, I really do love being home for Christmas. Much love to all, and may everyone experience glad tidings and blessings during the holidays and coming year!
