Merry Christmas, Part II

Matt did a great job presenting the oddities of Shanghai-style Christmas.  But as much as we enjoyed laughing over the silly miscues of the Chinese attempting to adopt Western holiday traditions, it only served to remind us that we were not at “home”.  The absence of snow, our families, and a work holiday made it tough for us to embrace the Christmas spirit.

Luckily, a visit from Sarah (Val’s best friend from NYC) gave us a reason to celebrate and decorate.  New stockings (handmade by Matt’s mom) meant the beginning of some new family traditions.  We found a place in Shanghai (the Ritz) that actually did justice to a real Western Christmas Tree.  And our own little potted tree wasn’t so shabby once it was trimmed and surrounded by presents.

(photos courtesy of Sarah)

the Ritz Carlton beauty

our own tree, with presents (including a suitcase-full from Sarah!)

Christmas morning with Santa's present