Chad is a predominantly Muslim country (53% ish) but about a third of the population would call themselves Christian. Therefore all Muslim and Christian festivals are celebrated with a day off from work and gatherings that involve food, family and friends. This means a fair few public holidays! So Christmas Day is a public holiday, but there’s no such thing as Boxing Day and so it’s back to work on 26th December. Have to say it was a bit strange working on 26th December last year!
Another thing that was strange last year was the temperature! This picture was taken at around midday on Christmas Day last year – the thermometer reads 30C (86F).
One thing I’ve enjoyed this year and that I acutely missed last year is the ‘pre-Christmas build-up’. Catching up with friends, singing carols and generally getting into the festive spirit! Feeling the coolness on my face, seeing frost and wrapping up in my thick winter coat that’s been hiding in my Mum’s wardrobe for the past two years.
However, one thing I’m not relishing so much is the
commercialism of Christmas and the incessant loop-playing of Christmas ‘songs’
in the shops. I don’t know whether it’s
the fact that I didn’t experience it last year or whether it’s getting worse in
some way, but the materialism surrounding this time of year in the UK is at
fever pitch. I’ve had to ask the same
question: ‘did this happen here last Christmas, as it didn’t in 2012?’ about a
fair few things this year, one of which was the craziness surrounding ‘Black
Friday’ and people fighting over TVs and the like in supermarkets. What was that all about?!
I mentioned Christmas songs.
There’s one in particular that I’ve thought a lot about. The title of this blog post gives a big clue
as to which one. I listened to the
earlier versions in Chad (i.e. not the version released this year, which has
had some of the words changed - personally think that was a good idea). Next time you hear this song, try to imagine
listening to it whilst living and working in Africa. It definitely puts a different perspective on
the lyrics. If you want to know my
thoughts, ask me!
The saddest thing about being in the UK at this time of year
is the dawning of the realisation that Jesus’ birth is apparently little
recognised by many people. It’s all
about shopping, food, Father Christmas/Santa, presents, Christmas parties and
days off from work. I’m not intending to
be bah-humbug here! Of course it’s great
to celebrate this time of year with people.
It’s just not great to see how materialism and commercialism can drown
out the real reason for why we’re
celebrating. The birth of Jesus was, and
still is, great news!
Wishing you joy and peace as we celebrate the birth of our
Saviour, Jesus Christ.
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| Christmas dinner on the Hotchkin's veranda, Christmas Day evening 2013 |
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