Our live Christmas "tree" (shrub) and me--in reindeer pjs, christmas socks, and antler hair clips!
Airport decorated for christmas/New Year
Santa loves vodka!
I even waited til Xmas morning to open my presents :)
Spending Christmas in Istanbul is an interesting and somewhat surreal experience. As most of you know, the population of Turkey is predominantly Muslim, which means Christmas is not a celebrated holiday by the majority of people (Winter break for schools isn't until the end of January). But what most people don't know is that Turkey celebrates New Year's in a very Westernized-Christmas-way. In Turkey, Baba Noel visits on New Year's Eve, bringing presents for all the kids. So the city is covered with 'christmas' lights, all the stores have major sales, and creepy Santa Clauses, 'christmas' trees, and reindeer are in every store front. It's good and it's bad. For many, it means that Christmas can be celebrated without the bombardment of festivities and commercialization that it has undergone in the US (and probably elsewhere), but it also means that it's hard to listen to Christmas carols non-stop! Luckily, I made a playlist to solve that :)Weird Santas....
Airport Santa is livin' Large!
Awkward Antalya Santa
Turks loves Santas climbing ropes and ladders!
Flag santa brought from US, courtesy of Terrie (thank you)!!!
"Christmas" Lights....(actually quite beautiful)
Lighted tree in Taksim
Taksim square
No shopping mall this time of year would be complete without lights!
My favorite building on Istiklal this time of year (because of the decorations)
These lights have been up over Istiklal since last year!
Finally replaced by new, fancy lights!
"Christmas" Trees....in the city
At our hotel in Antalya
Grocery store tree!
Outside St. Antone's Catholic Church
"Christmas" Trees....at the RCAC
Study room tree, brought from US (Thank you Terrie!!!)
Tree from fellows past...a little sad looking :)
Nothing that a sweet reindeer jumper can't fix!
I went and bought the most obnoxiously sparkly one I could find for my room!
Decorating our live tree :)
And the star
Holiday Sales!...
Even Christmas-inspired underwear is on sale!!!
So because it my first Christmas away from home, the US, and the piles of traditions that my family has accumulated over the years, I really wanted to make it something special here in Istanbul. As it happened, many of the other fellows in my program were spending their first Christmas away from home as well and so it was easy to find support at the institute to truly do it up this year. Festivities included caroling at the Anglican church, watching Christmas movies--Die Hard, Gremlins, The Grinh, and more, Late night Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas morning breakfast, Christmas dinner and more. Plus, I had my family and friends send decorations (as well as buying a few of my own), so a few fellows and I spent Saturday decorating our lounge--making the chic modern architecture as homey as possible.
Things I did this week for Xmas...
Sang carols at the Anglican church
Tried to go to mass, but it was sooo crowded--people were pushing, like it was a rock show. crazy.
Nativity scene at the church
glad I went a few days earlier to take photos...it is a beautiful church
Many people go to Christmas eve mass as if it were a tourist event--it's something to see, but it led to not a very Christmas-atmosphere. Most of us left after twenty minutes or so.
Went for a run in Belgrade Forest!!!
You can't really tell, but it's snowing!!!
My running mate :)
And this is why we run--ridiculously delicious brunch!
Decorating!!!
Decorations complete!
Taking a hot chocolate break!
Holly and stockings
Poinsetta!
From now on, no Christmas will be complete without Austrian rum/mulled wine!
I found a place for your garland, Brooke!!!
Looking just a little like Christmas!
Nobody hassels the hoff
Please note the bacon ornament :)
For me, Christmas has always been about family and it was sad not to be able to spend it with them, my parents, grandparents, siblings, and my ever-growing extended family of cousins and kids, but this year is nice in its simplicity, pleasant and enjoyable in the calm of not running around from house to house. In fact, I haven't left my building since yesterday afternoon. It has actually been a great opportunity to relax and reflect on all the wonderful people and things in my life. 
Let the party begin!
First, one must get all prettied up!
The fellas
A little Xmas spirit
These guys got us this magnificent tree :)
Fish!
A very sophisticated dinner
Xmas Breakfast!
To my family and friends, I miss you guys, but don't worry--be sure that I'm enjoying myself :)
Here are some holiday and other time family throwbacks!
So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
