Jacque in Jakarta: Something like Christmas

It's hard to believe that I haven't written anything for a month. It's not that nothing has happened this past month, it's more the fact that I haven't been able to find the time, or even the words, to write about everything that has been going on. There are still plenty of cultural quirks I plan to write about (i.e. as I type, I'm watching people drive through a river where there should be a street, and I had to buy new shoes because the last pair were broken by the sidewalks), but for now I think I'll write a post about Christmas.

Generally, the holidays are a time to be with family. Last year I was with Alexander and my grandmother in the U.S., but two years ago I was in Germany, three years ago I was in Spain, and four years ago I was in flight to Spain. Needless to say, I'm used to not being home for the holidays. I haven't spent Christmas in Arkansas for five years. This year feels a bit different though....literally. As opposed to having Jack Frost nipping at our noses, we need to keep the a/c on so we don't sweat. And there's no White Christmas to be had here in the tropics, or a winter of any kind. Instead it's just a gray, rainy season.

But the one thing that has salvaged my Christmas spirit is my co-workers. We had a gift exchange and pizza party with sweets and egg nog (home made by me). Even though not everyone celebrates Christmas, they were all happy to join in the gift exchange and party. It reminded me what Christmas is about. It's not about gifts, sweets, egg nog, or even location. It's about joy and bringing joy to others. It's about happiness and love. It's about family, but it's also about friendship and human connection. Even though I'd like to be somewhere with a winter for next Christmas, I'll never forget my Christmas here in Jakarta and the people that made it special.