A scaled-down Christmas

So we've reached the eve of Christmas. Its been a busy last month: a basic literacy workshop, two trips taking in four language areas (for a few pictures click here) and packing up the office in preparation for a new year move! We really haven't had too long to think about tomorrow and how to celebrate the day. This has been good in some ways, not allowing us to dwell on the friends and family we're missing from home, however it does also risk us not remembering the main purpose of this holiday!

As we've reflected a little on Christmas and culture it has been interesting, if not a little surprising, to see how culture is not always actually a bad thing! When at home we used to get frustrated with the cheesy music and mutli-coloured decorations all around, even starting as early as September in some places! Display after display would show a large Father Christmas with reindeer surrounded by snow, presents and pine trees! Now we believe there is nothing inherently wrong with any of those things (we love presents) however I remember thinking how lovely it would be to rid ourselves of all those 'distractions' for once. How that would instantly allow us to focus on the real meaning, the purpose, of Christmas and not to be distracted by these peripheral items! However this Christmas it has been interesting to be on the other side of the fence and to see, as always, that the grass really isn't quite as green as it had once looked!

Because as much as we may not like it, our culture is so ingrained in us that without those things around it is actually just as easy to forget not just the meaning of Christmas but actually that Christmas is here at all! Its too warm, there's no ugly decorations, no mince-pies for sale in shops, no turkey to buy! All the factors that reminds us that Christmas is coming have been taken away. So what are we left with? A day, or week, off work. A chance to spend time with friends. An 'excuse' to prepare a big meal and all feel very full! Does that sound at all familiar?! We are left with the same challenge as we faced at home, the challenge to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. To enjoy the time, albeit in a different way as at home, but still to not forget why we have Christmas at all.

We want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over 2009 and to wish you a very Merry Christmas. This comes, as always, with lots of love from us both.