When Matt and I planned to take our trip starting in September, we obviously knew we’d be away for the Holidays. What we didn’t know is that it would create a lot more homesickness than expected. We’ve both missed holidays with family, but this year seemed really strange. We never thought we’d get a taste of Christmas in Bangkok.
Starting the week of Thanksgiving, we’ve been feeling really homesick. In addition to missing out on my family’s amazingly delicious meal (my stomach still aches for the green bean casserole and cherry pie) we also got some exciting news! We’re going to be an aunt + uncle! So, my parents are really feeling the holiday spirit. I come from a family of ultra-decorators for the holidays. My trees (yes, plural – usually at least 3) are typically up by November first. However, November came and went without any really celebration or festivities.
Central World’s Christmas Decorations
All of that changed, however, when the man who works at the bakery down the street from our hostel in Bangkok told us that Central World (one of the many malls here in Bangkok) had loads of lights and decorations. So, that night, we decided to go on the hunt for a taste of Christmas in Bangkok.
This display was clearly not a secret. We caught a glimpse of the amazing decorations (and the insane crowd) from the footbridge. In between this sea of people there were dozens of Christmas trees, tons of lights and so many random decorations that only Thailand could get away with.
I do believe Central World is THE PLACE to take a selfie in Bangkok right now.
This animatronic polar bear popped his head in and out of the Christmas Trees.
The gorgeous trees decorated in red + gold.
This was where the display got a bit confusing… I don’t know if these are sugar-plumb ferries or what? haha But Matt really enjoyed them. He thought they were hilarious.
They play horns
They pop out cupcakes
They even ride polar bears!
My favorite display, however, was this giant Santa head. I wish I had gotten a better view of this but it was just impossible to capture the whole thing in the sea of people. On either side of this Santa head were is two hands. His hands were, of course, palming guitar-playing reindeer. Because if that doesn’t say Merry Christmas, I don’t know what does!
Matt and I were so excited to have a taste of the holiday spirit to fight off the homesickness we’ve been feeling. We got to sing along to Christmas songs while walking around here and we even started watching nightly Christmas movies on Netflix.
Fellow travelers, what’s the most unexpected thing you’ve encountered that quelled your homesickness?
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5 Comments
chloevsworld
December 8, 2017 at 7:16 amLooks so Christmassy and fabulous! Hope it made up for the homesickness a little bit. Congrats on becoming an aunt too, I just found out the same news! So exciting!
Paige Wunder
December 22, 2017 at 5:42 amIt definitely did do that. How fun!!! I hear being an aunt is awesome! When is your little niece or nephew due?
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
December 11, 2017 at 5:17 amHaha I’d never thought of what Asia would be like around Christmas! I love the reindeer with the guitar. 😀
Paige Wunder
December 22, 2017 at 5:47 amThey were my favorite too! It was so interesting and super entertaining.
Sandy N Vyjay
January 3, 2018 at 7:44 amFestivals and celebrations are the time when one feels that familiar tug in the heart when you are away from home. I can easily empathize with your feeling. But exploring new places around Christmas has its own thrill. Bangkok looks dazzling in Christmas. We were in Bangkok just around Christmas a few years back and enjoyed the buzz and festivity there. We did visit Central World and a few other Malls as well.