We were able to purchase a wood carved Nativity Set from a Filipino wood carver. It is unique because it has an animal that is found in the Philippines, a carabao. It is a cross between a cow and a water buffalo. We have seen them out in the countryside. The set also has the wise men bringing gifts of mangos, bananas, and a sack of rice, very typical foods here. The stable is carved to look like the bamboo huts that can be found around the Philippines. I love the coconut tree.
On Christmas Eve we invited the missionaries in our district to come over to our apartment for dinner. We made our traditional waffles and ham dinner. We then had the missionaries share some of their family Christmas traditions with us. We had four American missionaries and four Filipinos. The Filipino missionaries told us about a special feast they have after midnight on Christmas Eve. It is called "Noche Buena." Very few Filiinos include Santa Claus in their celebration. We shared more of the Jenson Family traditions by reading, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Cajun Night Before Christmas." We then read the real Christmas story from the scriptures. We enjoyed being able to share our Christmas Eve with these fine young men. (See below)
We were even able to have Christmas music and a fire via you-tube on the internet. Our air conditioner was also running, no freezing temps in this part of the world.
We missed being with our family, but we really enjoyed being able to Skype with them and actually see them. It was especially nice to see our grandchildren and watch them open some presents. It gave us a chance to share some of Christmas with them from far, far away.
I bet the elders had a hard time keeping up with the Cajun Night before Christmas! I have it and it takes some real concentration for our grandkids to follow it! Glad you had a lovely Christmas and got to Skype with your kids!! Naomi
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