It’s an interesting experience preparing for the Holidays in a society that does not observe any of the celebrations we are used to at home. It’s confusing for the kids, and certainly more difficult for us to get in the spirit!
Although subtle Christmas decorations do appear in some stores, there is never mention of any of the upcoming holidays. Also, given that we are leaving on mid-December to fly back home for the holidays, I decided it didn’t make sense to put up a tree and decorate our house here, as we would enjoy it for only a few days and then have to dismantle it when we came home in the new year. Plus, I figured it would make our trip back to Canada even more special if it was the start of our celebration and immersion into Christmas cheer. My mom is waiting for us to decorate the tree, make gingerbread houses, and generally make her house festive. (Some of my friends here however did decorate their houses in red and green, making me think perhaps I am just lazy!!)
Another thing is that most of our friends come from countries that have different traditions (why is it that the English eat so many mince pies, in the words of my son – yukky!) This has also proved a bit tricky with the kids. Our neighbours are Dutch and had a typical Dutch celebration three weekends ago where their “SinterKlaus” came bearing gifts for all the Dutch children. I had a hard time explaining why he came 4 weeks before Christmas for Dutch children, why he came on a camel (not traditional, but just for fun), why he was accompanied by men with charcoal on their faces (huh?!), and why they think he’s from Spain. Not to mention all their Muslim friends at school keep telling them there is no Santa!
Add to this the fact the weather has remained warm and we are still in t-shirts at 7 am on the way to school, instead of the traditional holiday sweaters. So although we had a few holiday parties and organised gifts for teachers, we really have not felt in the holiday spirit.
However, now, as we are packing, steeling ourselves to wake at 4am in order to start our 20+ hour journey home, we are finally starting to feel the tingle…and the jingle.
See you soon Canada!
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