This is a photo from last December! That is Krista Leigh, our HAFF intern then, with Bill and Jesse Campbell, fellow missionaries in Pignon. The other young lady is a friend who was visiting the Campbells from their church in the States. They helped me decorate my Christmas trees (yes, trees -- none of them was big enough to be alone).This year, my tests are corrected, my grades are turned in and my tree (just one this year) is decorated. I am now trying to get my Christmas cards out for the first time in a couple of years. I just might make it this year!!!
Christmas in Haiti is mostly a Church function. And much to my dismay, often gets lost in other celebrations. People often choose Christmas day to get married. Other churches have their harvest festivals at Christmas time.
But while Christmas is not celebrated in as lavish a way here as it is in the States, there are Christmas hymns and carols on most of the radio stations. Choirs and music groups are rehearsing their Christmas music for the services Christmas eve or Christmas day. And church members are practicing skits and poems for the Christmas pageants. It is a good thing that Christmas here is not full of the commercial gimme gimme spirit so often found at this time in the States.
The big gift giving holiday for Haitians is January first -- their Independance Day. The day is spent visiting family and neighbors and friends where everyone has a pot of pumpkin soup going and anyone who stops by is offered a bowl. Gifts are given and received.
So, as the Haitians say, "Jwaye Nowel e Bon Fet!" Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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