Our school had a holiday assembly and asked the English teachers to perform something about Christmas. They also asked us for a Christmas tree and decorations.There was the sincere desire to include our holiday, and they decorated for Christmas as well as New Year's.
We spent the week before the assembly teaching our students Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, so we could lead the school in song. The students enjoyed singing these songs alot, Muslim and Buddhist alike, and still sing them weeks later.
At the school holiday assembly, there were many student performances: traditional Thai
dancing, pop performances, "B Boys" hip hop, a rock band,
singing solos, and speeches by the Director, teachers and guests, as well as a school-wide New Year's gift exchange for more than 700 of us. At the assembly, we also put on a little holiday skit involving bringing students up to participate.
School also had an evening party for teachers with the male community and school leaders singing karaoke. Thye served great food and we had another New Year's gift exchange.I only had momentary feelings of being far away and a bit blue. Then, on Christmas eve, Armelle and I went to the Lotus restaurant on the beach for family-themed music and a bawdy holiday cabaret comprised entirely of (in typical Thai style) "lady boys". (photos below)
We also went to the Dusit Thani Hotel to hear our friends play music (below right). 
There were fireworks and lanterns launched, and it was a merry Christmas. I missed the snow and family and friends, but enjoyed Christmas on the beach in my bare feet.
Life is good.
...wishing love and peace to all..... and sawadee bpee mai (Happy New Year)!
