don't you know that christmas happens everywhere?

I love Christmas. Not because I anticipate the presents under the tree (although that is a plus) or the food that most of us get to enjoy. No, I love it for a different reason. Christmas is one of the few holidays where people are nice. Do you know how hard it is to stay mad during the Christmas season? I mean, there are lights everywhere, all the store shoppers are saying, "Merry Christmas!" (or in my case, "Buon Natale!"), and people are giving to others. Remember the Santas that ring the bells outside of random stores raising money for Salvation Army? It seems like a such a simple gesture to give your leftover change but then you see the total at the end of the season and are amazed. Individually, you gave so little, but when everyone does just that, it really adds up tremendously. That is why I love Christmas, because every little bit makes a difference. Whether it is spare change or a small gift to a friend, it all amounts to something bigger. Not only are you bringing a little joy into their lives, but some into yours as well.

Well, Milan is no different. These past few days I got to enjoy a little slice of Christmas season cheer. Every year, Milan hosts a HUGE Christmas Expo. It is in a large city center where the square feet is quite big. People from all around Italy and even the world come there to sell goods. These aren't like "artsy-fartsy" type things that the Average Joe can make. Rather, they are legit stores from all over selling some irresistible goodies. There are jewelry, paintings, food (oh, the food), scarves, shoes, ... The list just goes on and on! Everyone was cheerful despite the crowds and so willing to help the Americans who barely spoke Italian. I managed to find some great gifts and things for myself. I would say it was successful and award Italy a whole lot of points.

Milan also has what I like to call a "Light Scavenger Hunt". All over the city there are little things that help celebrate Christmas through (you guessed it) lights! The castle has them all over and music to go along. There is a huge Christmas tree in front of the Duomo with Tiffany's boxes underneath (I wish I had one of those under my tree.). There is a giant piece of mistletoe in the galleria where each time someone kisses underneath it, a euro goes to a charity thanks to a local bank. Seriously, I like Milan a little bit more just for this reason. Silly, isn't it? Nah, I didn't think so either.

The Christmas Tree in Piazza Duomo. You can kind of see the Tiffany's boxes underneath.

 

This is the giant mistletoe hanging in the galleria. A little girl was being held up to touch it by her mom.

 

Castle Sforzesco all lit up!

A light show on the castle with music to go along!

Caitlin and I also attended our gym Christmas party. (Oh, yeah I joined a gym. It is a small, family gym with probably the nicest Italians I have met.) There was the most amazing food. We didn't exactly mingle with everyone (language barrier and all), but it seemed that people were going out of our way to make sure we got to try all the different types of food and drinks. The few gym-goers who spoke English talked with us and all in all it was a great time. Like I said, some of the nicest Italians. We bought Paolo (the gym owner) some gifts at the Christmas Expo for everything that he has done for us. I am slightly jealous at all the goodies him and his family will soon be enjoying!

Despite all this Christmas joy, something not so amazing is going down. I just would like to thank British Airways for sending me into a panic attack mode. Not only that, but they may be responsible for ruining my favorite holiday. And that, my friends, would be terrible. It was announced that their workers union was going on strike during this holiday season (from Dec 22 - Jan 2). If they don't make a compromise soon, this will be a huge problem for me (and half my friends heading home). I am not spending the night in the airport. I won't do it. British Airways, you will get me on my plane whether you like it or not. I don't care if I have to be the one to fly it. I will keep you updated on that and hopefully everything will get resolved before those dates roll around. I am currently trying to change my flight (for no extra charge? maybe). I, like most people, just want to be home for Christmas. Is that too much to ask?

I guess this post turned slightly depressing and angry. I apologize. Basically, I am asking you all a favor. Pray to whoever you pray to or send kind thoughts in the direction of getting me, and everyone else that needs to be, home to people that love them for the holidays!

Ciao, ciao!