Christmas - the Buddhist Way

Everyone's been asking me if Thais celebrate Christmas. The answer is: sort of. Sort of because Christmas is more of a commercial event here, and with the bjillion mega-malls there are in Bangkok, it's safe to say that Christmas really is all around, with the blaringly cheery music, Starbucks's Christmas-beverage-line, and monstrously erected Christmas trees and odd decorations (the other day we saw a snowflake with Barbie dolls pinned all over it) that all Thais pose in front of with their classic “peace” signs (how fitting, for once!).

At the entrance of my town are Christmas lights and festive sayings, so at least it's something. When I say “Christmas”, my students say either “Santa Claus”, “reindeer”, or they sing “Jingle Bells” in an unintelligible language that is definitely not English but, according to Pe Tuk, not Thai either, because there is no Thai version of “Jingle Bells.” However, they have no idea what Christmas actually means; after all, Jesus does not exist in Buddhism – but then again, I'd say the majority of people around the world don't either (or, they don't choose to acknowledge it).

Regardless, I've already received some presents from my students, ranging from a Lipitor flier (LOL that was a hilarious one), to braided ribbons (below), to cookies, to stale donuts from none other than Mister Donut himself (no, kidding, it was from a kindergarten teacher), to a hugely wrapped gift from my 3/2 class, whose homeroom teacher presented to me today. It's a light on a frog stand (I just opened it)!!! It was very sweet. =)

This past Monday, I wore lent reindeer antlers to the morning assembly as I recited a speech that was written for me, and this morning, I spoke about the colors of Christmas. Below I will write the original transcript of what they wanted me to say -- typos and all. You'll understand how confused I was when the script landed on my desk; the English makes no sense at all and it took me a long time to edit it (and I'm usually pretty good at editing) because I didn't want to alter the speech's true saying.

Student: Good morning teachers and friends. It's closer time to Cristmas day in next week. When we talk about Cristmas day, what do you think of it? Ms. Kristina will introduce what people thinking on Cristmas day.

Kristina: Cristmas day is the celebration day to Yesucrist was born. At first mostly people twill think to Christmas tree. Second is Santa Claus. The third is Jingle bells song and colors. The forth is Raindeer. Finally is Christmas card to bless to anyone you respect or love.

On Wednesday, I am to speak of the meaning of the colors of Christmas. In class, I've been teaching simple sentences like “Santa says 'Ho Ho Ho!'”, “Reindeer runs”, and “Snowman melts”, to which the students act out the sentences. They're also making Christmas cards...very simple ones, that is.

Thursday is Christmas eve. Pi Aoy wants us to go to the temple to celebrate Christmas with her, which I want to do just to experience such an oxymoronic event, haha, and then Linnea and I will probably attend the 11pm service at Christ Church in Bangkok.

HO HO HO, children.