korean christmas preparations

As a huge christmas enthusiast, I am both happy and sad about this Christmas in Korea. On the down side, I will obviously miss traditions and people from home such as visiting the Christmas markets with friends, trips to Tatton Park and similarly geeky places with my parents, my fellow christmas enthusiast, Katie B, and of course Christmas dinner made by my aunt. But thankfully it seems that Korea embraces Christmas and there is no shortage of Christmas decorations and songs. I've turned my apartment into a grotto and planning activities for Christmas day has definitely kept me in a festive mood. Next weekend, I am going skiing. Me amongst so much snow that close to christmas may send me over the edge! Here are some Christmas preparation pictures...my Christmas grotto, handmade cards and decorations, hospital tree with messages as decorations, an advent calendar from my parents,Terry's chocolate orange courtesy of emily, hyundai department store's lovely decorations, a very surreal christmas parade we saw downtown and Christmas cards from students (it appears they are all very concerned that I will be spending Christmas without a boyfriend).