One of my friends is a teacher who is spending the Christmas season in China this year. She sent an email to a group of us, telling us a little about what it’s like to be in a country that isn’t overrun with Christmas hype. This is my response to her.

For some reason, I really, really like this letter. Thanks for sending these out to us.

You probably don’t know this: my birthday is on Christmas! So was my grandpa’s – I was born on his 75th birthday. Want to know how old I am? He was born in 1889 – do the math. ☺

Anyway, most Americans, when they find out my birthday is on Christmas, assume (or guess) that I must have hated it, especially when I was growing up. (more…)