Mona's family are German, so traditionally they celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Mona's parents Fred and Birgit kindly invited us along to attend their celebrations and it proved to be a magical night. We also got to try out some lovely traditional German food and biscuits - yum!
Since arriving in South Africa we have seen some fantastic Santa Clauses - the real beards and white hair, but there are no Christmas carols and, I associate Christmas with the songs we hear on the radio and also the CD Collection of songs we have. In Johannesburg we have not heard any Christmas music in the shops at all, so when we walked into the house last night, the tree lit with candles on every branch and carols playing in the background, the whole room / house was so festive. It was a beautiful experience and I was so happy to be part of it and to watch people hunting under the tree for their presents - and to find a few for Chris and myself.(from L-R, Back row... Frances, Kieran, Zoe, Brian, Carol, Chris, Matthew, Me, Mona, Front row, Ethan and Lee)
Christmas Day today was an 'English' affair with the traditional meal (lovely spread) and more exchanging of gifts. Chris' Auntie Frances and Uncle Brian were the hosts and it was lovely seeing Auntie Carol there too. After filling our faces with the food, instead of falling asleep infront of the tv, we had a swin in the pool to cool off after games in the garden - and the living room, care off the new Wii which Mona and Lee bought for their sons. It was a big hit and we're all going to have aches and pains in the morning.
I've had a lovely time this Christmas, but I have missed family at home (and abroad). It has been good catching up with siblings and parents on the phone and we wish all our friends and family a wonderful final few hours of Christmas day. We hope Santa was kind and that no lumps of coal were left.
Love to all xx
(Bottom left, Mona's father Fred, top right, Mona's mother Birgit)
1 comment:
Hello to everyone! We send our love and best wishes for 2009. Still no snow here although it has got pretty cold over the past few days, don't fell too sorry for us though-mulled wine and baileys see us through ha ha
Thanks for the funky llama, it made me laugh as it reminds me of the kids film "The Emporer's New Groove" Nathan and Emma say thank you for the presents. Emma especially liked the whistle which we've now hidden high up where WE can't reach(at least it doesn't take batteries!)-Only joking by the way! it has a surprisingly soft sound.
Have you booked the next half of your trip, I'm intrigued as to where you are going next.
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