A few weeks ago I realised that most parents that I met were talking about the presents they would buy for their children. I have thought about getting Leo a present this year, mostly because all the other children will be getting presents and I do not want him to be left out. We talked about it with Leo Sr and decided it was not really necessary.
Growing up in Zimbabwe we celebrated Christmas differently from what it is here. My family is adventist so Christmas was really a non-event most years but some years we would have a family get together because everyone was off work. I know for all other people who are not adventist, Christmas is a time to be with family and friends. Most people go to church in the morning and then come home to a lot of food( rice and chicken is a favourite). In the rural areas, young people go to the township where there will be a lot of music and dancing. My uncle would buy us soft drinks too.
If you are lucky that year, then you get new clothes and shoes for christmas though my mother prefered to buy us school uniforms for the new year.
And you know what, Christmas was a lot of fun!
In Zimbabwe people do not buy christmas trees with christmas presents under them. And they are happy without them.
This Christmas will be my sixth in Bermuda. The experience is still foreign to me. The focus is on family but people buy a lot of stuff. Decorations, clothes and presents. It is difficult to find parking in December.
I was thinking the other day how a Bermudian who can not afford it all must feel. Even though Bermuda has one of the highest income per capita in thee world, there are still some who are poor. I see a lot of posts about children who are not going to be able to enjoy Christmas because their mom can afford a tree or presents. Today I saw a post about a three year old girl who is going to be miserable this Christmas. I felt sorry for the child and parents to be miserable on a day a lot of people celebrate.
There are different organisations in Bermuda that do a toy drive for children whose parents can not get them a present. On Christmas day many churches make Christmas dinner for those who will not otherwise have it.
It made me think about my son. I do not want him to be miserable because he did not or can not get a present. I do not want him to be attached to things. His happiness should not be affected by whether he got a christmas tree or not or presents. I want him to cherish moments, experiences and people more than things. I take care of my son best I can, so I think he has more than he needs. He does not need things but my time.
However you celebrate christmas, make it a merry one. Enjoy the people you spend it with. If for any reason this season is difficult for you, remember this
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.