Hong Kong Christmas 2020

 Christmas weather in warm Hong Kong is much like Southern Utah except our family couldn't be here.  We missed our children and loved ones but embraced this opportunity to experience a different holiday.  The highlights of the season are too numerous to mention -  I’ll touch on just a few from our second Christmas as missionaries.

Masks are required.  Why not find attractive holiday wear?  Rick thought Hans would enjoy seeing his penguins and snowflakes.  Hans did smile at the sight of Grandpa’s face covering.

                                            I opted for the disposable holly mask.

Christmas Eve!!  Sister Latimer spent hours organizing an appropriate, socially distanced party.  She utilized an empty apartment by scheduling  5 minute time slots for each senior couple to bring one inexpensive gift and another item from our apartment we don’t need or want (white elephant).  Both wrapped gifts were placed in one gift bag.

We also prepared a snack item for each couple’s treat bag.  One sister made small cheese balls with crackers.  Another couple prepared a bag of veggie sticks with a small container of dip.  I baked bread sticks.  Someone else mixed a variety of nut packages with a honey-type dip.  There were cookies and chocolate treats.  (Ten days later we are still snacking on what was inside the bag)

Then, 30 minutes later, each couple returned to the empty apartment to retrieve two gift bags and the treat bag. 

We tuned into the Zoom sight and began our games.  We laughed and laughed as we played and nibbled on a variety of snacks.  One by one we opened gifts so all could enjoy the unwrapped treasures.  That entire process was hilarious.  We gladly joined in caroling “together”.  Sister Latimer ended the evening with the Christmas story from Luke.  We all took a part and enjoyed the pictures and music that accompanied her presentation.  In this unusual Covid year the celebration was a welcome gift and poignant reminder of how blessed we really are.

Rick opened the best white elephant gift of the night – disposable briefs for men.   We roared with laughter.  I suggested the group check with us at the end of our mission to see if the package has been opened.

Christmas evening we hosted the Sister Missionaries that serve in our branch.  I’m preparing dragon fruit for the salad.  This is a view of the whole fruit.

Tada!! Inside is a polka dot like fruit.  It doesn’t have much flavor but the dotted chunks are an attractive addition to any fruit salad.  Apparently, it is loaded with fiber.  We served mashed potatoes with shredded chicken, coleslaw, and bread sticks.  I was trying for an American type meal.  

Sister Pang is a native of Hong Kong.  Sister Santos was born in the Philippines and raised in Hong Kong.  Both are delightful missionaries and we greatly enjoyed our evening with these energetic youth.

The Mission President gave the missionaries an extra 30 minutes for Christmas dinner.  We walked the promenade to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) to see the decorations.  The crowds were unbelievable and the décor was nothing like last year.  The TST train station made their journey home very easy. 

Rick stands in the ‘Dragon’s Hole’ of this Musea 11 mall.  The lighted tree is brilliant from this level but appears so small from harbor side.

The old Peninsula hotel always presents lights, stars, birds, snowflakes, and other suspended beauties in a wonderland display.

                      The Church Office Building always presents a pleasing Christmas atmosphere.

All senior missionaries are together for one moment.  Fear not, we removed our masks for a quick photo and replaced them immediately.

 The nativity display can be seen from the street through the glass doors.  Countless people stop to adore the site.  I encourage those staring to please enter for a closer view.  Most do not, but they know the door is open and they are welcome to enter.  Isn’t that the message of Christmas – the Savior’s door is open if we will but choose to enter.