Christmas 2009 Activities

Well, the 2009 Christmas season has come, and is almost gone. Here is a summary of what the holidays held for us as a family this year:

• No H1N1. Well, we did get it, but fortunately well before the holidays started, and we could enjoy the Christmas season knowing we were now immune to it and didn't have to live in fear of picking it up at some point during the holidays.
• Getting together with my English students for a special lunch. We went to McDonalds. Yes, McDonalds. Does that mean it wasn't so special? It was fun anyway.
• Going bowling and a trip to Costco. Bowling is always a fun thing to do as a family, and the highlight of going to Costco is getting to eat there (usually their hotdogs).
• Outreach activity with local elementary students. I helped lead singing Christmas songs, and the pastor shared the Christmas story.
• Singing Christmas carols on Christmas eve at the CCT church. Though we don't attend CCT regularly, this has been a "tradition" for our family. Props to Lillian Dwight and friends for leading a great service this year.
• Sharing with the teachers at Da Peng Elementary School. I was able to share (in Taiwanese) the background/history of the song "Silent Night", and then lead them in singing it.
• Caroling and sharing the true meaning of Christmas with Patients at China Medical Hospital. Our church, along with about 5 other church groups, met at the hospital on Christmas evening, and sang carols in the main lobby, and then near the emergency waiting room area. We also went up to the 6th floor ward and went room by room, sharing about Christmas, handing out gift bags, and praying with patients.
• Having a great Christmas meal with friends, and playing "Ticket To Ride". Sharing holiday food with friends, of course, is one of the best things in the world. We hope our friends enjoyed our company this year as much as we enjoyed theirs. Thanks, Jon & Beth, for introducing us to the "train game".
• Visiting my friend A-Hong. I met A-hong in the hospital over a year ago. He is now in a physiotherapy recovery center. My son and I went to visit him yesterday, hoping to bring some Christmas cheer into his heart. He was very glad for the visit and the Christmas cookies I brought.

There are other activities we still have planned before the end of the holidays (going to the Flying Cow Ranch, going out for a special meal at a favorite restaurant, etc.). As you can see, though, we didn't go too far afield this year. Good to just spend some time at home as a family, too.