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Christmas in Moscow

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By Culbert Report
This year Dan and I celebrated Christmas for the first time by ourselves in Moscow.  We had a great holiday, a lot of presents, a lot of friends, and a lot of fun.  Here are a few highlights of the season.

Our team hosted "An American Christmas" English club for over 30 students!  We had so much fun decorating cookies, singing Christmas carols, sharing Christmas memories, and creating some new ones!  We are so thankful for these new friends here in Moscow and for their joy in celebrating the holidays with us!


We ventured to Red Square for a morning ice skating session.  You've already seen the evidence, but we're looking forward to trying this again, what great fun!


We gathered as a team on Christmas Eve for carols and a Secret Santa gift exchange.  We had a lot of fun together.  

Then it was off to downtown Moscow for a Christmas Eve service at the Anglican church and some Starbucks to warm us up afterwards.  I've decided it's officially better to visit Starbucks during Christmas than work there during Christmas.
The next morning we sat down to a delicious Christmas brunch.  It was our first Christmas morning just the two of us.  The food was great, and we enjoyed our morning, but still missed our families back in the States.  Merry Christmas to you all at home!  We miss you!


Then it was off to some sledding with our friends Jessica and Dave.  We had a lot of fun (despite the terrified expressions.)


Jessica and Dave then invited us over for cider and hot chocolate to warm up after the sledding adventure.  We gladly accepted and ended up there the whole evening!  Now they know not to make such generous invitations to the Culbies!  We had a great time with games, cider, and delicious appetizers.  Thanks Jess and Dave!

And there you have our first Christmas in Moscow.  We hope and pray all of you are enjoying the holiday season as well.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

-rkc

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