Christmas time is here, although it hardly feels like it. Coming from a Christian dominated country, it’s easy to forget that there are so many religions practiced in the world. Korea is comprised of roughly 25% Christians and 25 % Buddhists. The rest of the country classifies themselves as nonreligious or part of newer religious movements (thank you wikipedia). Although there are a significant amount of Koreans who celebrate Christmas, the holiday season has a different atmosphere because the holiday is celebrated very differently than in the United States. In Korea, Christmas is not spent primarily with family, but more so with friends and significant others. In fact, a few weeks ago we were invited by some Koreans to go to a Christmas party at a nightclub. We respectfully had to decline because we are going to the Philippines for the holiday (so excited) but I thought this was interesting nonetheless.
From what I’ve gathered, Koreans celebrate Christmas the way we celebrate New Years and they celebrate New Years the way we celebrate Christmas. If you can recall from my previous post, all Koreans turn a year older on New Years Day. Therefore, this would make sense that New Years is a big family holiday considering it’s everyone’s birthday celebration in addition to the start of the new year.
My holiday plans? Unfortunately, I have to work Christmas Eve, but it should be fun regardless. My lucky friend Mike got to play the role of Santa and payed a visit to the eager kindergarten campus and all the teachers partook in dorky holiday activities (my favorite!). In addition, I’m headed to the Philippines for the holiday TOMORROW! On that note, Happy Holidays and I miss all the friends and family who are reading!
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