Christmas cookies and boiled eggs

We make cookies out of cake mixes!

I assumed that because I'm living in a country that doesn't recognize Christmas as a national holiday (yet), that the season wouldn't be so hectic as it is at home. Thankfully, I was wrong. Shopping sprees, party planning, trips to the grocery store for more ingredients, Christmas cookie baking, etc. has been a huge part of the last two weeks - and I've been grateful for every bit of it!

Christmas tree courtesy of my mom, sister and Aunts!

My roommate and I are hosting a Christmas party tonight at our apartment and in preparation, we asked a few Mongolian friends what types of food would be good to serve (in addition to our traditional foods). So along with our cookies and cider and hot chocolate, we'll be serving boiled eggs (in the shell), meats (surprise!), pickles, cheese and bread - not too shabby. We hope to sing a few Christmas carols (most already know Silent Night and Jingle Bells) and share the Christmas story.

I plan on making a video about what Christmas is like here in UB. Even though people don't get the day off, there are decorations all over the city - mainly for New Years but it looks the same to me!! BEAUTIFUL!