Signs That it is Winter in Nanjing

The banana trees have been trimmed back and wrapped in preparation for the colder temps. I was wondering what would happen to the banana trees since they are a tropical plant and Nanjing can get very cold and snowy. They wrap the palm trees, too. Everybody has found their winter coats and hats!

Jesse turned 9 on Dec. 14th! Woooohooo! He requested breakfast in bed--he was lucky it was a Sunday! He celebrated by having a friend stay overnight. The kids' Christmas break started Dec. 12th, so most of the ex-pat kids have left China for home or other locations. Jesse will have a party in January when the rest of his friends return.

Christmas party and Emerson "team builder." Jim and I hosted a gathering for his staff of engineers at our house. First they went bowling then they came to our home for dinner. We had about 18 people for dinner and were very thankful for our extra large table!

The Christmas decorations are displayed in force throughout the shopping areas of Nanjing. Most Chinese don't celebrate Christmas, but they certainly go all out with the decorations. (Actually, we've been told the younger generations are starting to celebrate Christmas, but most have no long-standing traditions.)

Joann begrudgingly marked another year. Christmas is just around the corner!