Christmas and Culture Stress

We are getting ready for Christmas! There is no snow, no cold winds, and no Santa at the Mall. Well we have seen some Santas, but there is no mall! We have been asked by many of our friends and supporters, "What is Christmas like in Guatemala?"

Many things are similar, since it is a Christian country. We see Christmas trees, Christmas lights, garland, tinsel, and LOTS of nativity scenes. Santa Claus is present but not prominent. Stores are decorated; some beautifully and some, well, tackily. It is a happy, generous time of the year. There is Christmas music on the radio and in stores. The Christmas music is very enjoyable but sometimes funny. We listen to a non-commerical Christian station a lot. The playlist is something like this: 3-4 generations of Christmas favorites and hit random play. Cherub children sing "Deck the Halls," next comes a twangy "It'll be a Blue Christmas Without You," a lovely choral "Silent Night," and (sorry organ lovers) "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" on the scary movie organ setting. We brought a couple of English Christmas CDs that we enjoy very much! Poinsetta plants are popular. Though they grow like crazy on their own and are more like bushes when planted in a yard.

But, it still doesn't feel like what we are used to. We miss the cold weather, in a "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" sort of way. We miss the build up to Christmas in church. Because the Catholic church makes such a production of the holiday, many protestants abhor any special activities because they don't want to do anything that reminds them of the Catholic traditions. Also because it is the time for school break, there generally aren't children's concerts or Christmas pageants. The church we have been attending recently does have Christmas decorations up, but the sermons and music have nothing to do with Christmas.

We made a Christmas tree and decorations. Rick loves it because he didn't have to climb up in the attic, haul it down, and help set it up. The kids and I had fun being creative with our limited craft supplies. The Guatemalan playmates came over and helped us make some of the decorations. Baking Christmas treats has helped us get in the mood as well---Yum!

The other night, Mary and Joseph came by looking for a place to stay! Rick and I heard some singing and bells outside and went to our bedroom window which opens to the street (second floor). We watched a procession go by. It is a tradition that each night before Christmas, a procession walks through a different section of the city. They carry lanterns, small bells, and statues of Mary and Joseph. Finally on December 23...the eve of Christmas Eve...Mary and Joseph are welcomed into the church for Mass.

It struck us that we are living in a guest house temporarily. I began to think back through all that went into our move and finding a temporary home here in Antigua. It hasn't always been easy to be a family in a temporary situation. I remember that we hoofed it around town searching for apartments. One particular day, we walked a couple of miles to look at an apartment Rick had seen earlier. The last stretch was down a dusty road that was heavily travelled by buses and trucks. By the time we arrived we were sweaty, thirsty, and dusty. The landlandy wasn't in and the maid did not have permission to show us the apartment in her absence. Grrrr! My admiration for Mary and Joseph rose as I considered their courage and faith in STARTING their family in this type of situation. They must have had a very strong belief in God's promise for the child Mary was carrying.

We are bracing ourselves for a very UNsilent Night on Christmas Eve. After a late mass, there is a huge fireworks display at midnight and most Guatemalans set of rounds of firecrackers to mark the end of "Noche Buena" (Christmas Eve) and the official start of Jesus' birthday. Guatemalans are up most of the night as this is the traditional night to open gifts as well. Many families will be opening gifts at 2 a.m.

What about food? Guatemalans love to eat their traditional Tamales on Christmas. They also serve "Ponche." This is a hot fruit punch which is a boiled blend of a half dozen fruits with cinnamon. From the amount of liquor and wine on sale we are guessing there is a fair amount of drinking that goes on as well. Guatemalans aren't much for cookies, but they are really into other sweets, so there are plenty of sugary confections and candies to go around as well.

As we get ready to celebrate Christ's birth we want to wish each of you a wonderful Christmas! As we have said before, we feel so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family. The changes we have experienced in our life could not have been done without God and His church. Thank you. Yes, our celebration is quite different than we are used to, but the Savior we worship is the same. He came and lived among us. His death and resurrection provide forgiveness for our sins and a life anew. A gift which goes way beyond any gift you or I could give.

Merry Christmas to you all!