Happy Holidays!

"In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight,

we're happy tonight!..."

said a very famous, well read, amazing person. And now, for a Korean holiday.

Lights are essential for a Christmas season. Good Ol' St. Nick and his reindeer fly over the roof of this bookstore.

" Ho, ho, ho! I know if you've been naughty or nice."

Thousands of lights cover the walls of this building, not to mention the trees.

This very nice hotel looks like a fairy tale.

Hey, Rudolf must be on break. Look at the horns on these guys.

Once the lights have set the stage, the sight, scents, and warmth of "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" finish the festive mood. These stands are found everywhere we go.

This is a picture of our tree in our living room. Just kidding.

Elder Biesinger and I were at the bank. He was doing some banking while I was admiring the tree. One of the guards came over and asked if he could take my picture.

Of course, no holiday is complete without a little snow. Someone did a lot of work just gathering enough snow for this snowman. We pass through this plaza every morning on our way to the office. This looked like just a pile of snow until we got closer.

This amazing Korean head did become a small pile of snow by the time we were on our way back home.

"Look, at those crazy Americans taking pictures of the decorations in the bus. You'd think they'd never seen a decorated bus before."

Actually, this was a first, but not a last. When we climbed on a bus on Christmas Day, in addition to the decorations, we saw Santa driving the bus.The Office Elders, earlier, had seen Santa wearing... not a red suit, but a blue one and a green one, and a purple one.

Christmas is not complete without a party. We got a wonderful turkey dinner with ALL the trimmings from the Military Base, but.....

...nine turkeys and hams had to be sliced. I went in the kitchen to begin and look who followed me in. We were ready to eat in no time. (I am the one in red.)

What do 90 hungry missionaries look like? I don't know, these are all full...

but going for more.

After a great meal, a great program is in order.

Five districts prepared five skits and ten or so talent numbers.

Yes, it sounded really great. He sounded even better when he played right side up.

The skits consisted of musicals, dramas, and unclassified genre. All of them were very entertaining and displayed a LOT of talent. Oh, for a movie camera.

Always, we take pictures (except when we forget our camera.) This is one of our proselyting couples, Sister Reeve, and Sister Min and Sister Me.

Merry Christmas from all of us!

On Christmas Eve, these sweet Sisters came into the office to give me this cute little bear cake. It was so nice of them. Shortly after that, four Elders came bouncing into the office and sang a Christmas Carol to me in Korean, of course. They sang parts and obligato. It was very beautiful.

Elder Thacker just knows how to make me smile.

Elder Choi is trying to walk off with the "Jelly Bellys!!!"

Sister Irvine's mother brought them from the U.S. for us to SHARE.

He has a great tie, don't you think?

Koreans are not afraid to wear color, prints, or styles.

(Notice Elder Biesinger's picture on the Alien card in Elder Choi's right hand.)

This is really our Christmas "tree" on top of, yes, our television. ^^

This is our Christmas cupboard.

(I never got so excited about Christmas cards before.)

What is Christmas Day without a jigsaw puzzle. It's tradition.

We got some wonderful gifts!!!!! We absolutely love the adorable grandchildren books.

Ours, is the most popular house in Seoul.

These are very much coveted items not to be found in any store or shop in all of Seoul.

Whose little hand prints are all over our refrigerator? They are too cute!

There is nothing better than family and friends at Christmas time. We love you all.

We are grateful for your support and your love and your prayers on our behalf.

Happy Holidays!