Currency exchange rates. Aren’t they a pain when traveling from one country to another? You don’t quite know how the currency you are traveling with will be received where you are going until you actually get there.
It can also be that way with clothing. When we left San Diego I didn’t know if Christmas sweaters were a thing here in the U.K. (but the inquiring mind within me just HAD to find out, so I packed mine). 😉
The first thing I learned is that they are referred to as “jumpers” here. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed hearing phrases like, “I see that you’re wearing your Christmas jumpa today!” 😃
Well after conducting some extensive (and daily) research, I can now declare that the “exchange rate” for the Christmas sweater/jumper is quite favorable here on the other side of the pond!
Although that doesn’t surprise me, what does is the immediate ease and enthusiasm with which complete strangers responded when invited to share some “Christmas spirit” with me. It just warms my heart! ❤️
There was an unspoken communication amongst us which, loosely translated, amounted to, “You look silly today, and so do I! Let’s hug!” 🤗
I’ve attached my favorite samples of the empirical “evidence” associated with my “research” for your perusal.
With this in mind, I’d recommend that we all commit to showing each other more love and grace in 2023, as I think we’d all be better for it!
Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
(P.S., if the United Nations determined to fund a worldwide effort for this initiative, I’d be open. ☎️ me @unitednations and let’s make this happen. My passport has plenty of blank pages!)
