Happy Merry Christmas!

I had no idea what to expect on Christmas.  I was informed just yesterday that we wouldn't have classes, but the students were showing up for something.  Although they do this every year, no one could explain what was going to happen.  It turned out to be an all day party.  Mr. Thang wrote "Happy Merry Christmas" on a large board outside and wrapped a strand of garland around a tropical tree.  That was as close as it got to anything remotely resembling the Western holiday.

A rice tractor pulled up with a bunch of audio equipment, including d.j. station and six massive speakers.  There was an ever-present cluster of boys surrounding it.

The students danced to tunes including:  Jingle Bells, Gangnam Style, What Does the Fox Say, and Time of My Life (from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack).  Of course, I joined them and showed off my sweet dance moves.  I was surrounded by my first grade groupies who copied everything. 

The students played games.  There was a muffin eating contest, balloon popping contest, and rice sack races.

There were plenty of activities during the day.  Socheata entertained us with his magic tricks, and the girls performed a traditional Khmer dance.  We also celebrated Laum's birthday with a cake.  After lunch, some of the boys strutted down a walkway like the male models on t.v.  Then, Laum's friends made him put on his new shirt and show off his stuff too.  Of course, it didn't take much convincing for Laum, the big ham.  The students thought it was hilarious to see their principal attempting to look cool. 

I wasn't expecting to receive presents, but I got quite a few, probably because I'm the only Christian in the province.  The gifts from my students were adorable.  I got hair ties, candy, a scarf, a slightly used birthday candle, an opened box of soap, an origami star made out of riel, and what I fear is a taxidermied mouse wearing a bowtie.  From the teachers, I received a rhinestone broach, pink and black plastic necklace, and a decorative swan that lights up and changes colors.