Christmas Heat
There's snow powdered on the branches of the Christmas tree. The sugared aroma of chocolate caliente calls to me from the kitchen, a chunk of panettone ready to be dipped into the tasty beverage. Christmas music plays in the background. And while there may not be a fireplace, my host family has turned on the television set and a yule log burns on screen. Sweat drips from my nose as I hang the last of the ornaments with my host sister. It's at least 80ยบ degrees outside and feels even hotter in the house; we've been unable to get a cross-breeze going even with the back door and living room windows opened and I feel more sweat trickle down my neck. I'm going through the holiday motions but I don't feel the connection that I normally would at home, the stereotypical excitement that I have felt tingling in my chest as holiday tunes play on the radio or as I wrap a gift. It’s not cold! Where are the mittens, the scarves, the shivering toes??? I’m