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Elves In Sombreros: A Look at Christmas in Thailand

By Ben Hart

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Published: 29Dec2009
Word count: 443
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Yes, elves in sombreros, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and a pink frosty the snowman in a cheap suit. This is Christmas in the Land Of Smiles.

It often said among the many foreigners here that the Thai can never quite get it right. They tend to use blue lights instead of green and very often pink and yellow as well. I once saw a nativity scene which featured the seven dwarfs in place of the apostles and it wouldn't have surprised anyone if a smiling Winnie the Pooh, honey pot and all, was tucked snugly into the crib reserved for Baby Jesus. This is Christmas in The Land of smiles.

I was riding in a cab when I saw the elves in giant yellow sombreros. These were large wood cutouts that lined up along a stretch of road next to a popular shopping district here in Bangkok. It seems that overnight these areas become bedecked with different interpretations of Christmas and New Years. It is a sort free association for the Thais who seem to take any opportunity to revel in cuteness with little regard for tradition. Hello Kitty, Tom and Gerry and that stupid blue cat everyone loves so much all have a place in the echelon of Christmas spirits. They haven't yet trifled with the image of Santa, but I've been on the lookout for a sleigh driving Goofy all week and I'm sure there has to be one somewhere. It's only a matter of time. As for the reindeer; these too seem to be acceptable on there own meritorious cuteness, but again, I'm on the lookout. Perhaps a team of flying rabbits or pink teddy bears will someday replace them at the head of Santa's sleigh. As for the Christmas tree, there's a hotel on New Road that keeps a Christmas tree up all year in the lobby. This dusty and rather distressed tree is crowned not with a Star of David but with a trio of pink wedding bells that congratulates some happily wed couple from Christmas past. I've seen other examples, but you get the point.

It's probably true that some foreigners find this complete bastardization of Christ's birth as unfathomable and in poor taste, I on the other hand find it refreshing and if anything and perhaps sadly so, a more accurate representation of what Christmas has truly become and to most of us western consumers, what it truly represents. Whatever the case, this is Christmas in The Land Of Smiles. So on behalf of everyone in the Kingdom, I'd like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Cinco Dimayo and congratulations!

Ben Hart is an attorney in the USA and Managing Director of Integrity Legal (Thailand) Co. Ltd. To learn more visit: Thailand visa. Bill Reyland is the writer of the book "Sons of Isan," a book based upon his experiences during a year long Buddhist retreat.

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