“What goes on first – lights or tinsel?”
I love xmas trees. In fact, I love everything about xmas. The decorations, the lights, the music, the spirit, the atmosphere, the food, cards, gifts, shops. I just love celebrating xmas for an entire month!
I’m stuck in Saudi. Not exactly xmas territory. None of the above to be found in abundance, if at all. And yet we celebrate.
On the first day of December, a young British family invited me over to help put up xmas decorations. My help was limited to being there, untangling some bobbles, taking pictures and commenting on how beautiful everything was. They didn’t need help. They invited me because that is what xmas is about – sharing.
Last night we had our xmas dinner. Had to be early because most people are leaving to celebrate the season with family back home. As I made my way across to their house, it was time for evening prayers. The amplified voice of the Imam tore through the evening sky and mixed with the Boney M song coming from their house. This describes the contrasts of my life exactly. I could listen to both sounds without conflict in my heart.
I could tell you all about the food, the music, the celebration, the people – but you know most of it already. It doesn’t change that much. The virtual fire on TV was a bit of a novelty. It even made a crackling noise! Only drawback was that we had to keep rewinding it so as to avoid Mickey Mouse’s consistent interferences.
And by the way, even the kids know this: The lights go on first.
