At Left: Spike, George and myself in front of the Christ-Mao Tree. Christmas day 12:30am. We've got a party planned for tomorrow evening, 8pm, just as the East Coast kids shake their parents bodily from bed. I find myself pining for the small traditions, the cookies, the singing in church, having the west coast Willises altogether, and I resolve to spend next year at home. Christmas came quietly this year; although everyone here knows about Christmas, some aren't sure of the exact day, and few Beijingers celebrate it ('few' of course being a relative term). I'll save my acid remarks for another time (re: xMas in general, and the Beijing version)
For the handful of friends I have left in Beijing, I am grateful. I look forward to coming home to America (which I appreciate eons more from afar). 3 weeks, see you all then! Oh, and I didn't forget, but a small package out of Beijing costs about $50 US (I can only afford that mistake once), so the gifts for everyone will have to wait till mid-january. Maybe you'll be more surprised then? Happy Christmas!!!
