You see we had just moved into a house that needed remodeling. Things were still piled to the ceiling in one of the bedrooms while the house was being painted and ready to live in. So, this meant pulling together all our creative resources and making this as "Christmas" as possible, with barely anything to work with . . . well at least according to American standards.
Things began to take shape. A door, which had been removed from one of the door ways, was discovered and propping two chairs at both ends, a table was created. Now for something to cover the door. A red African wrap-around would serve the purpose well. (A piece of fabric the women use to wrap around themselves as skirts.) Never mind it wasn't exactly "Christmasy", the color counted. With no electricity yet in the house, the candles and lantern in the middle of the table were both festive and necessary!
Now for greenery? There is no such thing as pine trees in Africa, and actually very little greenery in Dec. the beginning of dry season. Then someone remembered the thriving vine that had practically covered the girls bedroom window. It was green and even had tiny red flowers on it! (We were delighted to see them growing in North Carolina. I think it's called a trumpet vine or something like that.) Yes, that was perfect. Greenery was soon stretched in the middle of the table between the candles and lantern.
With everything set, and Christmas music playing, we sat down to a "table" ladened with special food. I believe it was either a guinea, chicken or a rare turkey. A version of, pretty realistic, "mashed potatoes" made from the locally grown yam, and I'm guessing salad or a canned vegetable. (It's been awhile!) Oh yes and Dad had "splurged" at the "Western grocery store" and got juice boxes and chocolates for each of us!
It was a very merry Christmas made even more enjoyable because we didn't have! We couldn't just go to the store and pick up our Christmas foods (except expensive ones), supplies, or even gifts. We were able to find enjoyment in the simple things and that Christmas sticks out in my mind, above all the other Christmases!
