Christmas and New Year's in Thailand

I was dreading spending Christmas in Thailand. Yes, I made the decision to stay here, knowing I would miss all of the traditions and family activities and general holiday cheer that makes me adore the holiday season. But, after last year's exhausting whirlwind tour of the Northeast (which was very nice but left me with a horrible cold and an even worse layover in China), I decided to stay here, spending my time touring Laos and relaxing a bit around the holidays. For the first few weeks between Halloween and Thanksgiving, I pretended Christmas was not imminent, despite the lights, decorations, and holiday music that surrounded me even in Thailand.

This lasted until the first week of Advent, the official start of the church Christmas season. We started church with a few holiday songs and I was hooked. And then I went a little Christmas crazy! So here are a few pics from my holiday season in sunny, warm Bangkok with my friend Samhitha to celebrate Christmas and New Year's with me!

It started with caroling on the river...

And then a Christmas tree, garland, and a Santa hat!

Plus some tasteful decorations in JJ market

Celebrating post-Christmas with Amelia and Samhitha, drinking some refreshing Pepsi in JJ market

And then getting a pedicure at MBK

I thought of getting some Krispy Kremes... but the 3 month line keeps growing!

So, instead, we rewarded our long day of shopping and manicuring with some Swensons ice cream!

Making my own "brew" of coffee

Nothing if not resourceful...

Getting ready to ring in the New Year at Central World

Just in case you didn't know, it's the Year of the Rabbit... now put up those bunny ears!!!

And, of course, you need your faithful dog...

Happy New Year!!!