Christmas in Kenya

Christmas in Kenya is very different than in the US. Actually, that statement is only partly true. The reason for celebrating and being with family is the same, but the build up is different. Because Kenya is a third world country, gifts are not a part of Christmas. At all. As a result, there is not the huge commercial push that we experience in the US. Now, I LOVE Christmas in the US. I love to buy gifts.... starting on Black Friday. Yes, I was one of the crazy folks out at 3:00am. I love Christmas decorations and Christmas music. I love it all. Some resist it because they feel like it detracts from the reason we have Christmas... celebrating Jesus' birth. And I can see their point. But, I think it enhances the celebration and draws it out. From Thanksgiving to December 25th, I love that Christmas is in the air. I have been away for the last five Christmases so I really miss it.

In Kenya, Christmas means a nice dinner with family. If you are lucky, you may have a new outfit to wear. You may see a random Christmas decoration, but it's not everywhere. Occasionally you may hear a Christmas song, but it's rare. So, when Christmas came, it just felt like.... Wednesday. When I first woke up, I felt a little blah. It felt like any other day. I had to remind myself that Jesus is enough. He is everything on Christmas and the reason for it! As the day went on, it started to feel more like Christmas. George and I went to the store with Eli to pick up a few things. After I checked out, I went out to the front to look for George and Eli. First I heard a bell jingling and kids screaming. I looked up the stairs to see Santa! Not the typical one we see in the US, pot belly and rosy red cheeks. But a thin, tall Santa with skin to match the kids who surrounded him. He carried a small bag full of candy. The kids rushed him with their hands out to receive their little treat. I laughed when I saw in the middle of little dark hands, was a light brown one. George was in the mix, holding up Eli who eagerly reached out for his candy. I think it made Santa laugh too because Eli got the first one. I know it's silly, but seeing Santa, made it feel like Christmas. Not the spiritual one we celebrate, but the US one I grew up in and cherish.

When we got back to Suzy's house, it felt more and more like Christmas as people arrived. Slowly, more members of the family arrived. For lunch we had beans and chapati (like a fried tortilla). Then we all hung out as dinner was prepared. For dinner, Suzy and Andrew wanted to serve something different. Usually on Christmas, families will cook chicken, beef, goat or fish. They decided to serve rabbit! The day before, George and a few others scrambled to find rabbit. George's friend knew where he could get them. So, they came with four rabbits. ALIVE!!!!! They were SO cute and adorable. It was tragic to see them being led out back, one by one, to be slaughtered. I had no desire to participate in that. George and Andrew took care of the dirty work.

By the time evening came, we sat down for a yummy dinner. All the family was there so it was quite a party. In Kenya, a party includes loud music and dancing. Kenyans know how to dance!!! After dinner, Mom and Dad went home, but all the kids remained and the dancing continued. At one point I looked in the living room and saw Eli dancing in the middle of everyone. By the end of the day, it really did feel like Christmas. I was able to reflect on Jesus and enjoy being with my Kenyan family.