Korean Job Discussion Forums

WoBW · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: HBC

"Oh-yeeaah, what you gonna give me", say kids.

"buy-buy-buy", say business owners.

"Where can I get a nice Christmas dinner in Seoul?", say homesick people.

"Bollocks", say I.

"With sh!t sauce"

gmat · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Merry Christmas

Bigs · Joined: 15 Oct 2006

I find your thoughts fascinating, and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

"Bah-Humbug" to the Christmas season!

winterwawa · Joined: 06 May 2007

No you are not alone. Christmas and New Year's are my two least favorite times of the year. I wish I could just go to bed on December 1st and not wake up until Jan 2nd.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I don't hate it.

I just think, like all holidays, it's stupid. The fact that it's a day off makes it okay.

WoBW · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: HBC

Well...

A lot of bad things happened in my family over this time of year, so it kind of sucks to me.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

it's over-rated, but just have fun. You can make it as commercial or as uncommercial as you want it to be.

pidgin · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: Seoul

In a word, "no" you're not alone.

crusher_of_heads

winterwawa · Joined: 06 May 2007

winterwawa · Joined: 06 May 2007

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

I try very hard to feel all Christmasy but it is hard. I like Christmas, but find it hard to always be in the spirit. My grandma died right before Christmas when I was 7, later when I was about 12, my great-uncle committed suicide right before Christmas. He was the only great-uncle I ever really knew and he was so great to me. Other Christmases, I have had a guy break my heart, I have given presents to a guy I loved who gave me nothing, and usually during this couple time I am alone without a sweetheart...so I have to hibernate to avoid seing all the couples on Christmas Day. Not exactly fun. Many bad memories. At least I have a week off to rest and blow money. Plus, I hate all those crappy songs, like "Last Christmas" by Wham and Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You...I have no one..............,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

winterwawa · Joined: 06 May 2007

I think we should have a special get together for all people who have had just things happen during christmas. Both my exwifes left me during the christmas season. So, I don't celebrate christmas, but a small get together would be nice.

renzobenzo1 · Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Location: Suji, Yongin

I won't really hate it this year per se.
It will be my first Xmas away from my family for 5 years so that will be a big change.
I'll miss the food and company this year the most.

Ehh it's not that bad....even if you hate Xmas just see it is another holiday day from working and don't drink too much if you have to work the next day Wink

idonojacs · Joined: 07 Jun 2007

No, you are not alone, OP. My understanding is this is not at all unusual. It is nothing to feel guilty about, or anything.

I suspect Christmas has for some time been more a holiday for children, and it is important for parents to keep up the facade of the holiday for their benefit. When you are on your own, without a family, it doesn't work so well.

Being in Korea, this seems to me to be a convenient time to give stuff to co-teachers, as well as the principal and assistant principal. Also, the apartment superintendent, or whatever the guy is sitting out there. Partly, it is to repay the favors I have had to ask of the co-teachers. Partly it is a sort of bribe to the principal and vice; that seems to be the way things work here.

The main problem with this approach is that some of these teachers are not Christians. But we are going on a long break in a week, and this seems to be the time to do this.

If any of you haven't figured out the importance of exchanging gifts throughout the year here in Korea among co-workers, it is very important to good relations. So this seems a good time for the slightly pricier stuff.

Thoughts, anyone?