Merry Christmas to all! Christmas is a little different here in Korea. Take Santa’s helpers for example:

I DID NOT shamelessly steal this image from Nomad, it was a gift! Right, Frank?

Anyway, I have not exactly gotten into the spirit of the season this year. I think it is natural to miss the familar and comfortable surroundings that are home and hearth, and this is my first Christmas overseas. But I’m doing alright.

Last night I rang in the holiday at Grand Ole Opry with my friend Jeff. I hadn’t seen him for a couple of months, so it was good to get together again. We exchanged multiple beers as gifts and were in high spirits as the clock struck twelve. Nothing like a country bar to chase away the blues.

Well, there are places I’d rather be this morning, there’s no denying that. But there is much that is good in my life and the best gift of all is knowing that I have friends and family who are thinking of me today. Know that I am with you too, if only in my heart.

And what’s Christmas without a carol? Feel free to sing along….

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”