So, 9 days ago we started praying the Novena. Christmas is a much more religious holiday here than in the states and each night the family comes over and we read the story of Jesus and do some praying and singing. A not so knowledgable friend told me that it would last four hours each night! (jajaja) Thankfully, it doesn't. But it is nice to be with the family and remember the importance of Christmas. Tonight is the last night.
Also, here friends set up Christmas dinners to spend time and share a meal together. My sister and I organized one, it was 18 or so of closest friends and ended up being a fun night with food, a chocolate fountain, and of course alcohol. I thouroughly enjoyed myself :). Since then we have been to a couple others as well....we are christmas dinnered out to say the least.
In the school we had a couple programs for the kids. The parents set one up and cooked for everyone and did a little show. It was really nice of them and the kids really enjoyed it. Here, instead of cookies or gifts, people make of bags of candy to give to the kids. They get them in school or from different relatives.
Yesterday and today I spend the mornings baking cookies. It was pretty easy finding all the ingredients with some adaptations. They came out pretty well overall. It's a nice tradition from our home that I get to share with my family here. Also Chochi told me that since I can bake cookies, I am allowed to get married. Now, she just needs to teach me how to cook!
So, the house is all decorated (see below for 1/8 of the christmas dolls in the house) and we are getting ready for the family to come over tonight to eat....more turkey, play bingo and do a gift exchange. Tomorrow will be a surprise because I am still not sure what we are doing.
Thank you for the letters/packages/messages. Although I will not be in Eastport this Christmas, I am thinking about you all. To my friends and family from all over the world......Merry Christmas!
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