Everyday when I go pick my kids up from school, I stand in an alley with about 6-8 other stay-at-home moms, waiting for the kids to be dismissed. I guess it's like a chaotic carpool line, minus the cars.... Anyway.... these moms are always curious about my American ways, namely: why my kids and I shower so often and wear so few layers in the winter; what kind of food I can bake and why my kids obey when I tell them to do something. Needless to say, we've had quite a few interesting conversations! So, this Christmas I invited "my ladies" to my home for a party while our kids were at school. I decided to make this a kid-free party thinking that we would all be more relaxed if we weren't worrying about the kids running all over my house. Plus, if the moms were focused on their kid, then they couldn't focus on what I wanted to share: why I celebrate Christmas.
So, the morning of the party, I set out all sorts of baked goodies and made some hot apple cider and pot of coffee. One woman arrived 10 minutes early, the rest (5 more) came together fashionable 10 minutes late. So, after taking a tour of my home and marveling over the fact that I allow my 6 and 8 year olds to sleep on top-bunks, all alone, the party officially began! Thankfully, Leigh (who also chats with these ladies when she picks my kids up from school) was by my side the whole time! I was able to share why we celebrate Christmas, and Leigh shared how this Baby born 2000 years ago has changed her life. What a precious story! Then, I had them each read a section of the Christmas story from The Book and taught them a couple of Christmas songs.
After that, I had them divide into two teams and play a version of pictionary where they had to draw pictures of words that came right out of the story, ie- manger, angel, Mary, Son, Joseph, shepherd, flock of sheep, etc. They were a little timid to begin with, but soon, the room was filled with laughter and hollering! Finally, I gave each team a set of 6 pictures from a coloring book that my kids had colored, representing the Christmas story . I asked them to put them in the correct order and retell the story. It took each team over five minutes to put them in order! (My kids are so familiar with this story they could do it in 20 seconds.) Although they forgot some names here and there, it was great to hear them tell their version of this most important story.
We had another party here the next night. Brad was home for this one, so my responsibilities were much less than the previous two. I only had to handle food and help with the gift swap game. No problem! Actually, we told our friend Joe we'd host a party for him and his fellowship group, so he handled most of the details and planning, not Brad. That week we had some American friends from Mississippi in town, so as they met people on college campuses, we encouraged them to invite them to our house for this party, as well.
I thought my home felt crowded the previous Saturday when we had 33 locals here. That was NOTHING compared to this one! We had 43 people, all in my living room! It was absolutely INSANE - or Hot and Loud, (renao) as our local friends would put it. But, it was great! I was so encouraged to see Joe and the people from his group take responsibly sharing the Christmas story, getting to know new people, and doing the things Brad and I try to do when new people come to our home! What a blessing having them pursue people as well,. There's no way Brad and I and the four gals from Mississippi could have made personal contact with everyone on our own! And, I had enough food! I had baked enough cookies expecting to have one more party, but it was cancelled. So, I put it all out for this crew, and I'm glad I did!
Christmas is a great time to meet people and share our culture and beliefs! What a sweet blessing to have the opportunity to share with so many this Christmas season! I pray it bears fruit for years to come!
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