Hope that everyone enjoyed the season. There are a lot of reasons to like this time of year; for me it’s family, friends, the hanging out, the visiting, the lights, the champagne, and that strangers are so darn cheerful and friendly. I definitely missed out on being at home with loved ones, the traditions, and the Christmas cookies. But, on the bright side, this Christmas I was not in a constant state of frozen (for the first time in my life) nor was there a single crazy holiday shopper, (or any holiday shopper for that matter).
This Christmas I was in the DR, more specifically my site, and it proved to be a good time. I’m glad I stayed for a Dominican Christmas and feel blessed to have spent it sharing with my second family and Dominican friends. There were even some Christmas lights (pictured), shared champagne (not pictured), and a solid attempt at Christmas snacks (yup, I cooked something). May your days be merry and bright, and may your Christmas be campo. :)
Some of the holiday highlights this season:
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Christmas lights and decor downtown that I thought were well done.
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| the park all lit up |
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| friends posing in front of one of Mao's decorated houses |
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| and Christmas tree in my neighborhood! Tree made out of lots of little plastic colmado bags. |
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Visited the host family in the capital before the holidays. They have a new addition! Isn’t she cute?
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| toasting marshmallows |
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| Christmas tree in the Peace Corps office |
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| look at this unexpected mail from friends here and in the States. Gracias:) |
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Holiday party with staff and teachers from the school.
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| Angelitos/Secret Santa exchange |
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Making Christmas snacks with Minnie to share with family, friends, and neighbors.
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| pretzel, hershey kiss, m&m |
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| embarrassed/proud to admit that this is the fullest my fridge has ever been. |
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Here Christmas Eve is the big holiday. My host family had extended family visiting and threw a party at their usually very tranquillo house in what will remain one of my favorite DR memories. I spent the day visiting the family and later hopping around to other friends' Christmas Eve parties.
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| Min was my +1 at holiday events, claro. |
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| barking her little face off, as usual. |
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| DJ booth |
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| my host mom cooking up all the food! |
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Surprise birthday party for my neighbor.
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Ringing in the New Year with good friends and fellow volunteers in Santiago.
PS - Stole most of these from Heather:)
PS - Stole most of these from Heather:)
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| first day of the new year! |
XO
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