I've never been one to get crazy, busy at Christmas. I enjoy the decorating, planning, and baking. I'm not into tradition for the most part, so if things turn out a little different than 'normal' it's okay.
This year I felt it was important to do some of the things that the girls enjoy at Christmas so that it wouldn't seem so different. We baked and decorated cookies to eat and give away. We watched a few of our favorite Christmas movies and read our favorite Christmas stories. We listened to Christmas music. We did some Christmas crafts. We did our advent devotionals.
When Roberto suggested we go get a leafless branch to decorate, we all looked at him like he was a little crazy. We have attempted to go without a Christmas tree other years, but it always failed, even though we had plenty of decorations to make things look festive.
As we pulled out the decorations we brought, we realized that all we had was ornaments...no other decorations, no greenery, no ribbon, no lights. As we looked at the store everything was so expensive and just didn't fit into the budget. We were resigned to having no Christmas decorations. We found that we were starting to think "It's really not like Christmas here anyway...It's warm, there's no snow, the food's different, and they celebrate on the 24th, not the 25th."
Then an unplanned trip to the U.S. took place for me...to get some paperwork done. While there, my mom gave me some greenery she wasn't going to use, she gave me extra lights that she had, and my family was able to send back gifts for the girls rather than send money that wouldn't have gotten them what they really wanted (books and chocolate!) We ended up having some unexpected reductions in our budget and had the money to buy an artificial tree (real pine trees can't be cut in Honduras).
Everything began to look like Christmas with the tree, lights, decorations, and presents under the tree. We really enjoyed these treats this year and have had a hard time putting it all away, but in reality, the special times this Christmas were not related to the decorations and gifts.
-I think of Maria's Christmas program with her home school group and the new people we met through that opportunity.
-I think of the neighbor girls coming over and making ornaments with Maria and being excited to take them home to their tree.
-I think of the Christmas dinner/program at church and some of Roberto's family that went with us.
-I think of the young woman, Berta, that we were able to lead to Christ at that event.
-I think of all the time that a few of Roberto's nieces and nephews were able to spend with us over the holidays.
-I think of making nacatamales (a special Christmas food) with three of Roberto's sisters.
-I think of Christmas Eve when several of Roberto's siblings and their families came to our house to eat and eat and eat, along with some laughter, dancing, and playing.
-I think of Christmas Day at Roberto's sister's house with family again...This time with our favorite "American" appetizers and cookies.
Wonderful Christmas memories are abundant, yet there is a sadness. Not because I missed Christmas in the U.S., but because I feel like I lost focus on the real meaning. I got lost in the fun and activity and left Christ to the side. I didn't celebrate Him enough. How sad! I can't go back, but I can plan for this year. I am committed to making 2011 a year to focus on Him, to share Him with others, and to make Him a priority in my family.
