'Twas the week before Christmas

'Twas the week before Christmas and out in the yard on a beautiful evening . . .

Kebobs with chunks of tomato, beef, fresh pineapple and hot peppers grilled on the charcoal-burning BBQ;
Coloured flashing lights and balloons strung between palm trees decorated the yard
Beautifully wrapped presents collected on a woven mat in the centre of the yard waiting to be exchanged by all in attendance;
Familiar Christmas songs including “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” filled the air;

And MCC Lao staff and their families gathered on woven mats rolled out on the grass to celebrate Christmas.

Then Buddhists and Christians re-enacted the Christmas story set in the Lao context;
A guitarist played traditional Lao music while families sang along and danced a traditional circle dance;
Christmas carols were sung simultaneously in Lao and English;
Everyone enjoyed delicious kebobs, tuna sandwiches, sweet little oranges and pop;
Gifts of mugs, candies, socks, handmade Christmas stars and more were opened one by one with the option of any of the previous gifts being “stolen” by the gift opener;

And then Santa arrived dressed in red with his bag full of candy to share with young and old alike, wishing everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS and health, happiness and success for the coming New Year.