Preparing for another Christmas in Ethiopia

     You know you've been in a place a long time when significant events start repeating. Paul and I are approaching our second Christmas, but this one will mark the first one, ever, not spent in the company of our children, family and friends. Last year this time we were so excited and eagerly anticipating the arrivals of first Johanna, then Aleysha, Daylan and Jenn, followed by Allison and lastly, Wayne. Living 7000 miles away from 'home' for the most has not been difficult, but with Christmas just around the corner I'm really feeling the distance.  It's a natural response I suppose. So much of Christmas is wrapped (no pun intended) up in family and friends that it's impossible to separate. Fortunately we don't have to, thanks to the marvels of technology. Christmas Day this year will involve Skype chats to Ottawa and Switzerland.  The 8 and 2 hour time  differences will not be a challenge as Paul and I are quite accustomed to working around our children's schedules. Of course on Christmas Day we have no doubt that our kids and family will be setting aside time to 'chat' with us.  It's a date!

     So what's involved in preparing for Christmas in Addis?  We attended the German and Diplomat Bazaars in search of Christmasy decorations to add to our existing stash. The German Bazaar did not disappoint as we picked up a wreath, as well as some more wooden hanging decorations. The lingering scent of the wreath evokes memories of home. Well somewhat, considering Paul and I have a fake tree at home, but still the pine smell says: "Christmas". So with the help of Aynalem I put out some decorations. Our "Christmas Tree" outside has really grown a lot in the past year. I realised I likely need more ornamental balls, but this will have to do. It doesn't feel at all like Christmas, but decorating 'helps' create the atmosphere.

Always in our hearts!

Come in, Canada for Life!

See how I've grown. Ethiopian sunshine!

White tree silhouette due to the bright sunshine and lousy photographer!

Table for Two this year.

Stockings are hung and waiting for the big day.

     Last Friday, we attended a Christmas party hosted by a Canadian Embassy friend, Celeste and her husband Jeff.  It was nice seeing evidence of  traditional decorations in keeping with 'our' customs. We were first greeted by lights flashing along the perimeter of their balcony; a welcome sight, minus the adornment of snow, of course. Their 8 foot Christmas tree was beautifully lit and decorated. I'm guessing they may have brought it from Canada. Paul and I weren't successful in finding a large tree in Addis as the prices were ridiculous, so we compromised by buying two: our cute, traditional 3 footer and our decorative tabletop white Parisian tree. Celeste and Jeff had also decorated the room with Christmas lights, wreaths and candles.  All in all a lovely setting and the Christmasy spirit was evident in the free-flowing bar and festive treats. We did lots of dancing, drinking and eating and the evening just flew by.

     Paul and I are also planning a Christmas Party dinner for his staff, but Ethiopians do not celebrate Christmas on December 25th. Ethiopian Christmas falls on a fasting day, January 7/15, so we will have our dinner party January 8th. This will be an event that Aynalem will help me with as I do my best to incorporate some ferenji traditions into the mix.

    Paul and I, knowing that this Christmas would be a first without our family, decided to do something different other than remain in Addis. Well, somewhat different since " travel planning" is something I love doing and I rarely require any prompting. Give me a destination and I am on it!  So we're taking a short flight from Addis Christmas Eve to Arba Minch. Arba Minch is a city and separate woreda in Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region. We considered driving (for a nano second), but when you compare a 9 hour drive (on Ethiopian roads) versus a 50 minute flight, it's really a no-brainer. There is no doubt that the scenic route would have been beautiful, but experience has proven that driving in Ethiopia is not relaxing . We arrive in Arba Minch around 3 pm and it's a short shuttle to Paradise Lodge where we will be staying for 5 days. The Lodge is nestled between two lakes and the views are suppose to be spectacular.   I won't go into any detail as I've never been, but all reports are that Paradise Lodge is a nice place, with all the amenities, fine dining and entertainment.  We are looking forward to a relaxing atmosphere and potential outings in the area,  There's a National Park near by which has zebras. I'm not expecting it to compare to last year's safari, but I love zebras, so if there's a chance to see them in the wild, I don't want to miss it.  Going to Paradise Lodge is our Christmas present to each other.  The Lodge has Wifi, so that will be their gift to us.  We hope to share the experience of  Christmas in Arba Minch with You!

     In the meantime, as Christmas draws closer, take a moment to pause amid the hectic shopping and preparations. (Been there, too numerous to count!)  Take it from someone who is living too far away to be there, Christmas is family and friends. Don't sweat the small stuff. Savour the real joys of the season and know you are blessed to be able to share the day, the week, the year, with friends and family who love you and you them.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
love Paul and Katherine