Disclaimer: This is a very delayed post of events that transpired roughly five months ago
I moved to a new family roughly a week before Christmas/Vianoce, which was an interesting experience due to the nature of feeling like a fish out of water in multiple respects in regards to being surrounded by both new people as well as new traditions. My new family brought me up to their cottage in a ski village called Donovaly, where they spend the holiday season every year. I enjoyed my time there relaxing and getting to know my family, as well as the traditions I experienced, namely, the traditional dinner that is had on Vianoce (which is celebrated on the 24th of December). This dinner was very traditional, consisting of many small courses, some of which consisted of raw garlic cloves chased with some kind of pastry, bobáľky, kapustnica, oplatky with honey, potato and mayonnaise salad, and salmon.
For New Years we had some family visit for several days, and on the night of New Years eve we went to a local restaurant and enjoyed each others company, good food, and traditional live music until the large fireworks displays overhead at midnight. The atmosphere was quite enjoyable with everyone around celebrating and getting to know each other.
Overall, the holidays were a very interesting and enjoyable time, while also quite difficult for myself due to the loneliness and homesickness that can be expected.
Thanks for sharing, Addy. And for being so open about how you feel. I struggled with that on my mission.
I’ve since learned that being alone is part of exploration. I suspect you would not have as immersive an experience if you had someone with you that you already knew. Of course, I don’t doubt that might add to the enjoyment, but you are making awesome memories that will stay with you for a long time.