A Merry Christmas Eve

It’s already Christmas Eve here in Seoul, which is hard to believe. While we’re far away from home and from our families, it’s felt more like Christmas here abroad than it has for years in California. The cold weather (ok, freezing cold!), the snowfalls, all the decorations, live Christmas music on the streets, and the holiday cheer that just emanates from the people. And, as I told Will, the fact that here you can still say “Christmas” without it being an issue.

Today I went to see the nativity scene at the Myeong-dong Cathedral. It was simple, but lovely. I stepped inside the cathedral, and it was very peaceful to sit there for a few minutes while others sat and prayed, or just looked around at the beauty of the place.

I also came across the crowd at the Korean Red Cross’s 2014 Serious Request fundraiser. I wish I knew the performer’s name, but she played (what I think was) the kayagum nicely and her voice was delicate but so beautiful. I’m sharing some videos below.