Christmas

Tis the season to celebrate the differences....here are some I am aware of.

South African Christmas turkey 

vs American Christmas ham

	South African Christmas	American December “holiday”
Christmas cards show:	A British robin and some snow	Just about anything
Days:	Christmas and Boxing Day to recovery	Just one day off unless it is a weekend….
Weather:	Hot – go swimming after lunch	Hope for snow
You can say:	Happy Christmas	Happy Holidays only
Main course:	Turkey of course	Just had turkey at thanksgiving, so need options. Ham is popular
Dessert:	Christmas pudding and yummy brand sauce	Not clear – pies seem common
Gifts:	Used to be just one gift to say I remember you	Seems a little out of control with multiple gifts
Drinks:	Champagne or wine or beer	Weird things like eggnog and other cocktails

Strangers

When thinking about cultural differences one seldom thinks about how one interacts with people you don't know.  I now remember how surprised I was in my first weeks in Boston when everyone said "hi" when I was out walking, and commented on how cute my "puppy" (a full grown border collie) was. I got used to it quickly and learnt that hi was the standard response to seeing anyone when out walking.

It was last summer only when my friend from London was visiting that I fully learned how American I had become.  We were shopping in Concord, MA and suddenly she came out of a store stating, "I just had a real American experience!"  She proceeded to explain how a stranger asked her if the cutting board she was eying in the store would be the right size for a particular kitchen function... My friend did manage a "yes, sure" before scurrying away.  

She later explained that she had often thought about being on an underground train and seeing an unattended package, and realizing that it would be way too embarrassing to say something, so she would choose to just sit there silently, and hope she didn't get blown up... Really truly!

I think the American way of greeting everyone, and casually chatting is a good change!