Christmas in Koh Panghnan

Note, this post was written on December 24th and published at a later date
Happy Holidays from the tropics!
It is Christmas Eve now and we are putting the finishing touches on our festivities. Our tree (a native potted plant) has been trimmed with colorful lights, paper chains, cut out snowflakes and paper ornaments.

Small presents have been wrapped and placed at the base of the pot and trekking socks with paper designs sewn on them hang in the tree, awaiting Saint Nick.

25 detailed and hand drawn North Pole houses and shops make up our Christmas village that spans two walls, complete with Post Office, Toy Factory, Train Station and Coffe Shop.

The North Pole continues onto the opposite wall as well

Michele and Justin hunch over a desk covered in bright frosting, decorating sugar cookies freshly baked by us in a rented kitchen a few hours ago. Among the shapes, cut from cardboard stencils, are candy canes, bells, snowmen and evergreens. Michele also whipped up some buckeye balls and peppermint fudge. As Nick and his new friend Josh sample treats, Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby serenade on as they have for the past 2 weeks. In a few hours we will go to sleep, only to wake early to open gifts and FaceTime friends and family. Around noon on the 25th Team T as well as Josh will start a multi hour (17 course) Italian Christmas feast at our local restaurant. It should be a day to remember!
We wish everyone at home a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
-The Turcottes