Sounds of carolers are not in the air but the sounds at night of the Masai celebrating circumcision are! (Kinda glad it only comes around every seven years!) Many have asked about Christmas here in Tanzania. Here is my attempt at describing our time of celebrating Christ's Birth.
This is probably one of the harder months to be so far away. I miss the sentimental part of the season of snow (miss only at Christmas,) red and green, the twinkling lights. It is in these moments when you realize it isn't bad but that you are a product of your culture. But, as I listen to Christmas Hymns setting my nativity I was reminded of somethings. First, Christmas is not a just a season of the year but lives within because I believe. That doesn't change no matter where I am. Second, I no longer have to work so hard to try to imagine what that night might have been like. Follow me and I will try to show you what I mean. No longer are the circumstances so hard to grasp. 
Donkeys are everywhere! They are on the road more than I. They carry things of importance and trek many miles over rough surfaces. This is the main mode of transportation. Living in a country like Tanzania under a Muslim government we know at any moment like Mary and Joseph we could be asked to leave or have to do something that for no other reason is because, well, the familiar "because I said so!" Woman have babies in dark damp mud type places and animals are always often the warm blanket at night. Babies are only wrapped in pieces of scrap cloth if anything at all.
Shepherds on a hillside~ definitely!! Sheep and goats can be seen near and far sprinkled around. Just yesterday on my journey home I saw a little boy with his little lamb draped across his shoulders on the back of his neck. We know the carving well don't we? A little boy with his staff care for his sheep and goats. It is the main passed time and an important job to his family survival no matter how lowly it might be.
Head coverings are essential to your daily outfit out of protection of the sun and some cultural reasons. Many times I remember draping a covering over my head in attempts to play Mary for "my kids" in the states to grasp visually the night of Jesus Birth. I was always very humbled playing that role but more taken back by the children's expressions while taking in the sights. I know the Lord said to become that of a child and more and more I know what He meant. For those expressions as the children looking at Mary are the ones I have when I take the time to consider the scenic views around me. My favorite is the blanket of stars at night that I truly know that of a "Silent Night."
For a bit of a funny here is a shot of a Santa Hat!
Even the secular views of Christmas can be spotted with a good eye!
Many have asked how do Tanzanians celebrate Christmas. For those under aged readers you might want to screen this part before you read it to your children. I only say that because Christmas is not a holiday that is celebrated as a whole in this country since we are under a muslim government. In the States you have many within the western culture who celebrate Christmas even if they do not have a relationship with Jesus. That is not the same among most of the streets of Tanzania. Believers celebrate Christmas but people who do not believe it is sadly just another day. Santa sightings are few. The Tanzanian churches gather no matter the day of the week Christmas might fall on. The church family might share a meal together or they will eat as a family after. If presents are given at all it is usually an outfit to wear for church during the next year. Most gifts are given (if at all) are opened on Boxing Day which is the 26th. One of our national partners explained to me that he was giving a gift to each of his family members that reflected a role/areas that they are gifted in along with words of affirmation about their part within the family. How beautiful! Another church planter told me that his church was challenged to give of something to the church are they are challenged in 2012 to continue to transform their community. Once again I learn a great deal from my brothers and sisters here in Tanzania.
We on the center do have fun in celebrating this month! Amy the intern and I have been intentional about somethings to share in during this time. I love baking Christmas Yummies! And I also miss my nieces and nephew a great deal. Not to replace but to fill that spot in my heart we invited Janet's (our house helper) kids over for a special day of baking! Meghan also joined us and we had a wonderful and fun day! I was not sure how things were going to turn out being here but we actually did very well with our sugar cookies, peanut butter balls, toffee, caramels, choc. dipped nuts, and fudge!
Corrin was very serious about her job of decorating. The funny part was the cookie cutter choices! When you are with kids who have never done this before you end up with shamrocks, hearts, and the United States Christmas Cookies!
Corey needed a break and lots of additional things to do for the day! He is a very busy boy!! Julius was cute with him and was happy to take him on a center tour!
Our Yummies!
in honor of my grandma I think I finally got the caramels right this year. And a good year for it! It was comforting for me to make, eat, and to share this meaningful treat! 
Our Tree 
We do make some decorations happen and use whatever we can!
Prayer Points~
- I have a happy heart but I do miss family and friends.
- As I look around at the death, disease, and destruction here in my corner of the world. I know why I must be here. It does not even compare to the way God must have looked over this world to know that Jesus had to come. Jesus was born and all over the world we celebrate! We celebrate and continue to glorify Him so that more may know the glorious riches that are to come.
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