Monday, December 15, 2008

Buddhist Christmas in Thailand

Right at this very moment, I'm watching over my students as they meditate quietly before beginning math class. It's a ritual here to sit quietly with eyes closed for about five minutes after entering the classroom in order to calm the students down and get them in a state of mind conducive to learning.

Buddhism is at the heart of the Thai psyche. This gentle religion (or "spiritual practice" if you wish to be politically correct) is behind almost every decision in Thai society. Although I don't practice Buddhism, I have learned a little about it just by living here and I must say, I agree with much of how they believe we should live as human beings.

Buddhists are very open when it comes to other religions and Thai's just love to celebrate things. With these two factors combined, Christmas in Thailand doesn't feel as lifeless as I thought it would. Almost all of the Thais that I talked to know at least a little bit about Christmas. They know about Santa Clause, presents, lights, and the like of surface traditions.

Bangkok is decked out in lights, centered around a giant Times Square-esque Christmas tree in the heart of the shopping district. Christmas music plays over loud speakers and all of the sales are, you guessed it, holiday sales. Out in the countryside it's not as prominent but I never expected it to be. I'll be at another volunteer's site during the week of Christmas doing a Christmas themed English camp so I'll be celebrating the season by teaching it. English camps are my forte here. I'm gone almost every other weekend working with other volunteers and helping their Thai counterparts run productive camps. I hope this Christmas themed one has Christmas food too. Although Thai food is awesome, I miss the cold wintery day comfort foods:

Beef Dumpling Stew
Chili with cheese and onions
Chicken Pot Pie
Shepherds Pie
Steak and Cheese Sandwich
Hot Turkey Sandwich
Fifteen Bean Soup
(my mouth is watering)
Tacos
Cudighi Sandwich
Pasties
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Pizza with the works