Christmas in Peru gets done a little different than at home. We started eating at about 8pm on 24 December. Heads-off to Kim who prepared all the food by herself. I went for lunch with Vanessa and Jimmy the afternoon and when I got back, Kim was already done. After dinner we watched The Nativity Story. We then proceeded to opening the presents. I was blessed with cool thoughtful gifts that I really loved. Unfortunately I only got everyone chocolates except for Kai (Kim’s 6months old baby that is soon to be born). I got him something from Africa. At midnight the city of Lima exploded with a massive firework display that lasted about almost the whole night. The enormity of the display started fading after 30min though. Filez Navidad!! Merry Christmas!!! Off to bed and a big sleep-in for the whole city on the 25th.
Back at my home in South Africa things are done different. In my nuclear family, it is just me and my mother. In South Africa and specifically in my culture we never really operate as a nuclear family, we go big, we go broad. Christmas and most other celebrations get’s done with my family that consists of my mom, her sisters and brother with their families. Altogether we are about 26 people.
I normally insist on going to church the morning of the 25th, while most of the others would have already gone to church the previous night. Around 13:00 we start to eat. Cheese platters, snacks... then the main meal but before that my family makes a big effort to ensure that we know what Christmas is all about. Different families get to host Christmas and the way the message is presented will depend on the host family. Sometimes they would read the story of Jesus out of the bible, or be creative in song and dance. A very long prayer will follow where we will give thanks for all the special times during the year and where we remember those who have already past away or are unable to be with us. I thus expect that they would have said a little prayer for me.
The eating starts, I feel too embarrass to tell you what will be on that table, meat in all its forms, seafood potjie, salads and lots more. A special appearance from Father Christmas follows; it would normally be my cousins husband all dressed up in his Christmas suit. Presents and photo session with Father Christmas. A very short break in between the packed programme to rest and to have a closer inspection of your presents; the adults will talk and the kids go and play. By now all the kids have gone to put on their second dress or outfits for the day. Last stretch- cake and pudding time. By now you can hardly walk that’s how full you will be...
Christmas time is a very special family time but more than family it is a time to reflect on your life and the presence of Jesus in your life. Have you received the gift of eternal life that is only found in Jesus?? I am thankful today for the grace to have Jesus in my life. Although I could not be with my very special family in South Africa, I was with family in Peru.
Mark 3:31-35
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived.(A) Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him.32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Back at my home in South Africa things are done different. In my nuclear family, it is just me and my mother. In South Africa and specifically in my culture we never really operate as a nuclear family, we go big, we go broad. Christmas and most other celebrations get’s done with my family that consists of my mom, her sisters and brother with their families. Altogether we are about 26 people.
I normally insist on going to church the morning of the 25th, while most of the others would have already gone to church the previous night. Around 13:00 we start to eat. Cheese platters, snacks... then the main meal but before that my family makes a big effort to ensure that we know what Christmas is all about. Different families get to host Christmas and the way the message is presented will depend on the host family. Sometimes they would read the story of Jesus out of the bible, or be creative in song and dance. A very long prayer will follow where we will give thanks for all the special times during the year and where we remember those who have already past away or are unable to be with us. I thus expect that they would have said a little prayer for me.
The eating starts, I feel too embarrass to tell you what will be on that table, meat in all its forms, seafood potjie, salads and lots more. A special appearance from Father Christmas follows; it would normally be my cousins husband all dressed up in his Christmas suit. Presents and photo session with Father Christmas. A very short break in between the packed programme to rest and to have a closer inspection of your presents; the adults will talk and the kids go and play. By now all the kids have gone to put on their second dress or outfits for the day. Last stretch- cake and pudding time. By now you can hardly walk that’s how full you will be...
Christmas time is a very special family time but more than family it is a time to reflect on your life and the presence of Jesus in your life. Have you received the gift of eternal life that is only found in Jesus?? I am thankful today for the grace to have Jesus in my life. Although I could not be with my very special family in South Africa, I was with family in Peru.
Mark 3:31-35
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived.(A) Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him.32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”