Here on the other side of the world, I realize how much I gauge time passing by the changing of seasons. Hot summer days and fireworks mark the end of another school year. When the leaves start to change, I look around and think “huh, I’m a year older!” And not a year has passed that I don’t look outside the window to appreciate winter’s first snowfall.
But in Bolivia, it’s all kinds of crazy! I’m standing in my flipflops at the supermercado shopping for some Coke and see Santa on the label. “Gosh, that Coke must be about 6 months old!” I think to myself… before realizing that Oh yeah, Christmas is days not months away!
Celebrating the holidays is different when you’re outside the U.S.A. As there’s really no giant shopping malls, there have been no repetitive Christmas songs to torment me, no joyful elevator music greeting me as I enter stores, and the radio is full of thug-type reggaeton music. While in a taxi, we passed a small town square with a gigantic line weaving around the park benches. I asked the driver what was going on, and he said “To see Papa Noel.” Of course! No mega malls, so sitting on Santa’s lap happens in the park! Genius!
Being in South America, Channukah doesn’t make much of an appearance, but we celebrated it at our house with some latkas and gugel (hope I spelled that right Yuna!) Someone brought out a guitar and sang some songs, but I think most of us forgot about Christmas… no carols even in our own house.
To be honest though, I really don’t miss the hype. Christmas is my favorite holiday because I enjoy spending time with my family and sharing going to midnight mass, a big holiday feast, popcorn and movies by the fireplace. The American culture of shopping and materialism haven’t invaded my Christmas season this year, and I’m liking it!
I will, however, admit to missing one thing: 24 hours of “A Christmas Carol” on TNT. There’s just nothing like watching Ralphie get his official Red Ryder BB gun over and over and over again 🙂
The Inspired Dr.Mom 