I’ve lived overseas since I graduated university – first in Scotland and then in Korea – and I’ve done a lot of travelling. What I’ve discovered is that most cultures/people are very open to not only experiencing but also sharing in the traditions of others.

The problem in North America, as I see it, is that because of the overwhelming Christian influence, there is not the same opportunity to choose to share, rather than have it forced upon you. There can be many uncomfortable moments that result from people from a majority making assumptions. However, I think that if North Americans were as interested in sharing in other religious and cultural traditions as they are in insisting that Christmas is under some sort of attack, they would find people more open.

Go visit a mosque and a synagogue. Participate in some First Nations drumming. Talk to your multicultural traditions and participate. Then see how they feel about you dropping by to carol. My experience living overseas suggests that it would work.

Christmas in Korea is a very different thing. It is sort of more secular – which is not to say that people here aren’t religious – many are and Christianity is huge here. However, since family style celebrations are already covered by Chuseok (sort of Thanksgiving-ish holiday) and Solnal (Lunar New Year), Christmas here is more of a date night for couples or a church event without a lot of surrounding fuss. There are a ton of Christmas lights and decorations, but then, this is a country that is fond of neon lights, so that is no surprise!

I’ll try to remember to post those. If I forget just email me!

Anna:

Thanks for those thoughts. And yes, I think Yaya reads my blog. She definitely knows about it, although it’s not really her thing.

On #5: I’ve found that all that uncomfortableness in social situations comes from a very deep-seated fear of exposing my own ignorance to others. Realizing this, and praying whenever I find myself not knowing what to do, has helped tremendously. Do you remember that post you wrote way back when, about discovering that you actually knew what God’s will was for you in most situations? This is like that. Think about how God would treat carolers, or how he would balance carolers and doing something else, and it will probably all become clear; but only if you can get past the voices in your head that say you are doomed if you don’t get everything just exactly right.

Could you blog the recipes for those
cookies? I would appreciate it.

Also.. I enjoy all of your writings, including those where you sweat the small stuff i.e. focus on your foibles, self-consciousness, social maladroitness etc. God bless you.

Have you reached a point in your religious life when you have realized that you give way too much importance to yourself? How much do you want to be humble?

You are God’s beloved daughter. This is who you are. All the rest may change and be temporary. But your deeper identity comes from God’s passionate gaze at yourself. Try to remain in the presence of that love. Ask for the gift of being able to see yourself through God’s eyes. That experience is a life-changer.

With this in mind, what is the problem of being awkward when being visited by christmas singers?
You will be embarrassed? Good! Mother Theresa used to say there is no humility without humiliation.

And, let’s face it, this is a very mild humiliation. It’s not as if you got miraculously pregnant and had to tell your fiancée about it.

Have a holy and happy Christmas!