Christmas has Arrived

It seems like we work up to Christmas for weeks, so when it arrives, we're finally done with it. But then you realize it's all suddenly over. I like the idea of the 12 days of Christmas as it is celebrated in other countries. Christmas is the first day, but then little reminders for another 11 days. It lets you down slowly. We liked the Swedish tradition of keeping the tree up until January 13, then dancing around it while singing, taking down the decorations with the children finding special bags of treats for them among the decorations in the tree, then throwing it out the door.

Christmas in the City is a big deal, mostly for commercial purposes, but not entirely. The businesses are not greatly benefited by Christmas trees, but many have them, anyway. There is a good feeling where Christmas is prominent. In our neighborhood only a few houses have Christmas decorations, but there are some rather elaborately decorated ones. Not that many Christian homes, here. Still, we are wished a merry Christmas wherever we go.

 We took a little time off on Friday and went with the Barnes and Taylors to this Christmas market because it seemed a little less of a foodie and more of a market. We ate lunch at Max Brenner's Chocolate Bar. 

Union Square has a large Christmas
Market that reminded us a little of
those in Sweden. Not as much hand-
made items, though. Tomte (Gnomes)
 are everywhere, so that made it fun.

We have been here a few times, but it is still a big
favorite for us.

By far the best hot chocolate ever. It comes in this
unique cup that you raise with both hands, so your
hands warm as you consume it. The food also
makes the visit worth it.

 

Olivia and I had to hurry off to teach our English lesson at the El Salvador Consulate. We had quite a surprise waiting for us. Not only were 4 of the 5 students  there, but they had some amazing presents for us. 

We were so delighted with the gifts
from El Salvador as well as bars of
dark chocolate (for me - they
remembered from our lesson about
food) and a beautiful scarf (more like
a shawl) for Olivia.

A couple of them had recently been to El Salvador,
so this was planned well in advance. So beautiful!

Perfect for making lists that are
constantly left around and getting
lost.

They made their own card and wrote
to us in English. 

We are a little out of chronological order, here. These pictures are from our Wednesday class at the Consulate: 

Our class on Wednesday had all five of our 
students. Beatriz, Kathia, Julia, Flor, and Paola.

We were learning to talk about what we
like doing and don't like doing. I typically

illustrate some of our vocabulary. Dance
and dancing was a big hit, because
I added a little surprise.

Julia's image replaced the face of
the woman in the picture. She has
told us many times that she loves
to dance.

We all enjoyed Julia's reaction. You
would have thought she paid for the
entertainment.

We really enjoy our interaction with these women. Our class is all in English except when I have to use one of the few words I know in Spanish. Paola's English is quite good, so sometimes she has to interpret.

We had an inspirational and fun zone conference with Woodside and Brooklyn zones combining. The missionaries have learned that when they take counsel and apply it, they become much more successful. 

It always pleases me to see them taking notes and snapping pictures of the screen when the APs or the Mission Leaders are speaking. I wasn't able to attend the president's training, but the AP's training was exceptional.

The annual picture of the combined zones. Some awesome people in this shot. We love them.

Elders Clayton and Ure teaching how to find and
teach in a way that converts friends who will then
 remain committed.

After the training, the missionaries came back into the area where we had lunch. Here they had a cookie decorating contest and a talent show. We didn't get to stay for the latter, because we had to get to the Consulate, but we got the report. There were some really excellent talents along with contests like who could chug an entire 2 liter bottle of something or eat something entirely gross and disgusting. One thing we do not see among these missionaries is any evidence of cliques. They have so much in common that are happy to be with any of the other missionaries.

Some of the missionaries in our 
district.

 
 

Sisters from Brooklyn

Elder Padilla (gray suit) followed 
Olivia to be in every picture, except
the previous one.

Almost every sister in this photo is from a country
outside of the USA. Polynesia, Micronesia, Italy,
China, and Elder Padilla is from Puerto Rico.

For Christmas dinner, we hosted our district of six elders, together with two of the young women from the El Salvador Consulate - Paola and Julia. We cautioned the missionaries that we cannot proselytize by agreement with the Consul General, but that we could answer questions, be friendly, and be examples of the believers. The elders couldn't have been more gracious. We were so proud to be associated with these young warriors in the Kingdom.

 

Around the table from L to R: Elders Tejada (Texas,
originally Mexico), Pravia (Nicaragua), Mortenson
(Ohio), Paola, me, Aguilef (Chile), Kendrick (Utah),
Winters (AZ) and Julia.

A quick get-to-know you game.

Elder Pravia is the district leader and was not at all
well. He kept going, but Olivia gave him the contact
information for the mission doctor before they left.

Olivia loved the flowers that Julia brought!

A picture just before we drove them to the subway
station.

Christmas day we mostly prepared for the guests that would be squeezing into our apartment for dinner that evening. We did, however, exchange gifts and wish each other a merry Christmas. My journal is about spent, so Olivia gave me a new one that is leather bound. She also heard me say that I had seen hooded t-shirts being used for PJs and thought it was a good idea, so I got one of those as well. I saw a cowl-neck sweater that I thought would look good on her, but I couldn't let it be a surprise, because I am a poor judge of what clothing she likes. I did surprise her with a necklace.

They look especially good with a 
missionary badge (on the right woman).

It's a lot better than trying to sleep with
my head under the covers. Love it!

I wrote a poem for part of our gifts to the senior missionaries here and I'll share a little portion. It begins with:

To Our Senior Couple Missionary Friends at Christmas 2023

Then some things that are peculiar to New York City and it ends with  the following verses:

Of course, we miss being with family and friends, but we are so grateful at this time of year to be in such dedicated service to our Savior and Redeemer. We love Him and love his great atoning sacrifice. We especially appreciate your love and support of our service. We hope your Christmas was also happy and blessed.