The Christmas party at Emily's school was quite different than that of my hilltribe party. There was so much food, we were unsure as to what to eat first and the gift table was overflowing with numerous beautifully wrapped parcels in various shapes and sizes. There were tables set up in the courtyard covered in red and green tablecloths and the stage for the class performances was decorated with seasonal colours and gorgeous red poinsettia.
The party started with a tasty meal consisting of an array of various Thai and Western dishes........all very different and yet equally tasty. After the completion of our meal, the parents were entertained with an assortment of Christmas songs and skits put on by each respective class in the school. Emily's class put on a play about Santa getting old and making unusual mistakes. Emily had one of the lead roles as "Boss Elf" (very fitting as far as Mom is concerned!!) and put on a wonderful performance. Each of the elves were asked to wear all white........Emily and I are thinking that her Thai costume director may have angels and elves confused..............
The final festivities consisted of a gift exchange amongst the children in the school and an activity called "Soi Dow" or "Chosen Star." This activity was a fundraiser for the school whereas all the parents donated various gifts and the children bought tickets to win them. With each ticket, a child would have the opportunity to fish a ball out of a blown-up swimming pool. In each ball was a little piece of paper indicating which prize the child had won.
In the children's gift exchange, Emily received a beautiful wooden souvenir of Thailand, a bookmark made from handmade paper and some candy.
On Christmas Eve, Emily and I went with some friends out to a local resort for a beautiful dinner and on Christmas day, we enjoyed the peacefulness of home and had presents in the morning and roast chicken, mashed potatoes, cranberries and vegetables for supper in the evening.
Emily and I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas - we send you all best wishes and love from Thailand.