Friday, December 26, 2008

On the Thrid Day of Christmas...

Just a quick note!

We started our celebrations on Christmas Eve at my daughter's house. We had a Paraguayan 'asado' with four other Americans, a Venezuelan, a Costa Rican, a Paraguayan, and two Peruvians.

Yesterday we had a very typical Christmas dinner at Brenda's house with about 30 American
ex pats. Really good food! It was fun to watch the small children enjoy playing together and the older children visit with one another.

And we got to hear all of Bob's interesting stories! Like the time his car was hit by a stray bullet while driving in Argentina ,which cracked the engine block, and how much fun he had because of it. Seemed like he wanted to do it all over again!

Today we are cooking for a special dinner tonight at the church. Three American families are preparing a typical Thanksgiving meal for all the church leaders to show our appreciation. We have three turkeys baking and more pies to make.

Since I have so many ex pat readers, I was wondering if you would share how you say 'Merry Christmas' in your language(s) and any unique Christmas traditions where you live.

And for my Jewish friends, how do you celebrate Hanukkah, and what do you do on Christmas day while the rest of us are celebrating?

13 comments:

Obob said...

nothing like bringing a like home to your new one. best wishes and pass our support to your friends

The WordSmith from Nantucket said...

I'm not an ex-pat, but as a non-Christian, I still say an enthusiastic, "Merry Christmas!"

My favorite time of the year.

Starla said...

You have really been celebrating Christmas!!! :) Hope you are enjoying all the celebration!

Findalis said...

Tonight is the 6th night of Chanukah. And the Menorah will be lit, the potato latkies will be eaten, and the dreidle will be spun. Since it is also the Shabbat, we will light the Shabbat candles too and celebrate the Shabbat with song, prayer and food.

Chanukah is a minor Jewish festival. Only fitting since it celebrates a military victory and in that aspect it goes against God's commandments of killing and loving your neighbor.

I say Merry Christmas to my Christian friends without reservation. I is your joyous holiday, and the spirit it brings is one of peace and love. And that is what the Lord asks all of us to bring to the Earth.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family. May the God bless you all in the coming New Year.

Betty said...

Frohe Weihnachten!

Christie said...

Okay, it's not my native language, but since we're learning it, in Guarani, it's "V'ya pave mita tupara-pe." Although the kids here say, "Navidad Pora" because it's easier! Had fun last night with y'all!

Brooke said...

Merry Christmas! :)

Most Rev. Gregori said...

I have many Jewish friends who put up beautiful trees decorated with white and blue lights and tinsel. They call it a Hanukkah Bush.

Happy New Year to all.

Mountain Mama said...

I'm just a plain old mama, grandma and great grandma lady and we say MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Without Christ would people say Merry Mas?

Nina in Portugal said...

Feliz Natal!!

MightyMom said...

In my home we say

Let's Eat!!

well, not really...........

So, (this is a preview of a future post) tonight Sonshine is lamenting that Christmas has passed. He decides he wants to have snow for Christmas. He tells me

"I want snow Momma!"

I tell him to talk to God cause I can't make it snow in Texas when it's 85 degrees out (yes, weird weather) Only God can make it snow.

He says "Jesus NEEDS snow!"

Anonymous said...

"Melkam Genna"- a Christmas greeting in Amharic, a language of Ethiopia.

Sarah Halter said...

Krismasi Njema!