Unlike at home, Christmas is not the dominant holiday in Tanzania. This is especially noticeable in the absence of any commercialism, which frankly, I do not miss. Except for the occasional cheesy, lifesize Santa playing a saxaphone in the corner of a restaurant, (true), you would hardly know Christmas is coming.
We know Christmas is coming because my parents arrived this weekend with extra suitcases and curry herring with rye bread. We are especially grateful they came since it seems most folks who are from a different place, leave during this intense heat and go home for the three week school holiday.
First on our Get Ready for Christmas agenda was to search for the elusive Christmas tree. Without a lot of effort, we found one at the mzungu-friendly grocery store off the main highway. There were three “Made in China” artificial trees to choose from, along with some of the tackiest ornaments I’ve ever laid eyes on. We settled for the mid-range tree ($17, not bad) which met Anders’ criteria of “room for a lot of loot”, and opted for homemade ornaments instead. As we carried the tree in two parts out to the car, we had a good laugh about the surreal-ness of the experience. There was no over-the-river-and-through-the-woods here. My only regret was we didn’t have rope to strap it to the roof of the car as we drove it home in the afternoon heat. 
After decorating the tree and unpacking advent calendars with a few other treats, we relaxed on the veranda in the balmy temperatures. As you can see, the grandparents are settling in quite nicely:
Alf enjoys a refreshing local beverage
Lili does research on her upcoming visit
Posted by Jeffra on December 27, 2009 at 9:53 am
How fun to read your description of your Christmas activities and see the pictures of all of you! We think of you often. Love and prayers, Jeffra and Bo
Posted by kathy jensen Portland, Oregon on December 17, 2009 at 10:06 am
Hi Bowes and Gregersons,
Love your blog. Is that beer that Alf is drinking, looks like Kilimangaro beer!? What a great Christmas tree you found! Ok, so we wont be using Skype while you are on your Safaris; sounds very exciting. It is cold here in Portland and we are all envying your warm temperatures. I think the curry sild and rugbrød was a hit. Tell us what else of local food you are eating. have fun, hurry home.
Posted by diane on December 17, 2009 at 10:39 pm
hey kathy, nice to hear from you. all is well and it’s hot for sure. glaedig jul og godt nytar!
Posted by pam on December 15, 2009 at 7:58 am
I ‘heart’ Lil and Alf. Ken and Gayle are here now to watch Mitchell swim today-we all enjoyed reading the updates. Give your parents love from the Krassins and Moores!
Posted by diane on December 17, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Back atcha!
Posted by Monica on December 14, 2009 at 9:57 am
Glad that your parents arrived safely. They look quite comfortable in your Moshi surroundings. As for Christmas, I expect that snowglobes will abound.