Fireworks and a swim to celebrate Christmas?

Well, Merry Christmas to all of you, even if it is a bit late. So how was yours? Ours was…interesting. Ok, we had all the trimmings: Christmas tree, Christmas music, Christmas presents you know. However, we had more (and a bit less, too). We had—and still have—fireworks going off all round, hot weather, marshmallow roasts in the garden… It was nice, but I must say, we really missed family. Although we’ve lived “overseas” for quite a long time, we’ve rarely spent the Christmas holidays without some bits of our family around us. So, this year the holidays weren’t always easy, but it has been relaxing and different, which helps.

It all began on Christmas Eve with a pageant put on by all the Sunday School children at our church. Our girls were involved as well as Kathy and the other teacher, Marlene. It was, well, …different. The production was to start at 7pm, but didn’t get underway until 8:15. Mary (aka Marlene’s 4 year old daughter, Elizabeth) nearly fell asleep before it began and was only kept awake by her father whispering exciting things about Santa and gifts in her ear for half an hour. Despite all the late start and all (I could actually go into much more detail, but will spare you that) it went off well. The children all did a great job and all looked very cute in their “Christmas Uniform” (specially designed for the occasion).

We woke up late-ish Christmas morning to the girls chatting excitedly outside our door. They were ready to open gifts. It was great fun watching them “dig in” with excitement.

One thing we’ve found interesting is that here, Christmas seems to be celebrated with fireworks, much to the terror of our dogs and Fiona. The entire neighborhood seems to have some. As a matter of fact, the 27th was the quietest evening for nearly 2 weeks. I wonder what the New Year will be like.