It Is Beginning to Look Like Christmas

It Is Looking Like Christmas 

        It is beginning to look like Christmas but in a strange kind of way. It is somewhat surprising how much Christmas music is played in the grocery stores and in the mall but no one knows any of the secular songs. The members know the traditional carols but none of the other ones. They also don't have any of the carols or the fun songs downloaded on their phones or computers. People always ask us how can we feel it's Christmas if it is warm in Arizona and their is no snow? It is even stranger here where there is absolutely no change in the weather from one day to the next.

        We have had a lot of Christmas activities and that has been wonderful so we are in no way feeling deprived. There was an area devotional on December first. There was an all African choir and also some of the area missionaries sang. There were readings and congregational hymns and then a big lunch for everyone. We had a potluck FHE on Monday the 8th and had songs and Christmas remembrances from several of the missionaries. This was held at the home of the temple president and his wife, President and Sister Afful.

        Friday the 12th was the last day for the SRC to hold classes for the year so we had caroling with the volunteers that work at the center. This is a foreign idea to them but they enjoyed it and really got into the spirit of the day. Then we had a short talent show and another catered lunch. Sunday the 14th we met at President and Sister Curtis' for a Christmas sing-a-long and treats and then there were many of us that stayed to watch Meet the Mormons. There will be a Christmas Eve party with a white elephant exchange of gifts. Then there will be lunch and gifts for the young missionaries at the MTC on Christmas Day and games for New Years' Eve. We have never had so many things to participate in during the holidays. We feel blessed.
        There is an effort to have a celebration of Christmas here in Accra with the stores and even some lights on some buildings and even on the Flagstaff House, the presidential palace but out of the city there really is nothing. In church Sunday before last they asked me about my traditions and could not understand the reasons behind a Christmas tree so for the past two Sundays I have gotten to share the religious meanings behind the Christmas traditions that we take for granted. There is no sign of anything Christmas in the little town of Suhum were we go to church and most people there will do nothing special even though this is a relatively Christian nation. They just have no traditions.

        We found a $3.00 fiber optic Christmas tree on a sale table at the grocery store, we have a string of lights and our African Nativity and two embroidered Chinese Christmas pillows so we are ready. We look fairly festive.

$40.00 Poinsettias available for sale

President Dube at the Area Christmas Devolitional

      

Area luncheon. Decorating is done a lot with fabric

 We found a $3.00 fiber optic Christmas tree on a sale table at the grocery store, we have a string of lights and our African Nativity and two embroidered Chinese Christmas pillows so we are ready. We look fairly festive.

Santa at Mamma Mia's Pizza

At the Movenpick Hotel

Bake Shop at the Movenpick

Elder Smith a fabulous pianist played for our caroling

West Africa Area President Curtis

Our Suhum Branch 1st Counselor ready for Christmas