I noticed something interesting over the past few weeks. I have even done some research about it once I noticed the pattern. It is my newest reason to love Honduras.
When people in the US bump into a friend the big question is (and has been for weeks), "Are you done with your shopping yet?"
This usually is followed by one of 2 responses. "Yes, I was done in November." Or "No. I still have to find something for my ... I have no idea what to get for that guy."
In Honduras the most commonly asked question is about where and with whom you will celebrate Christmas. And then they want to know what you will eat.
Nobody mentions the hustle and bustle. Nobody talks about being exhausted and overwhelmed. Nobody talks about feeling financially stressed.
Interesting, huh?
My research showed that it is not because I am from the US that people here ask me where and with whom I will celebrate. Everyone is asked this because it is common to travel within the country and visit extended family for several weeks at a time over Christmas. (Many of my friends have parents who live in the country several hours away. Job opportunities brought them to the city many years ago, but they go to the country to visit their extended family for Christmas.)
People here also want to know what kind of tamales you are eating because there are special kinds just for Christmas. Some people make them themselves. Some order them from their favorite tamale maker weeks in advance.
We had our Christmas celebration at the church yesterday. It was great. They've been working on it for weeks and it's been a huge secret. I watched them transform the church this week. Saturday morning when I drove in I was stopped by a burro. It was tied up on the side of the driveway and decided it preferred to stand across the driveway so I couldn't pass. Overnight a corral was built and two sheep appeared outside my office.
The church members dressed up and told the story of Jesus' birth in a play, with music interspersed. The play was really well done. I sang in the Christmas choir. That was fun! Watching the play, I felt like a kid again. It was fun to get excited for Christmas.
We stayed after church and ate tamales. Tiny Lorenzo had at least 3 that I saw. A lady sold Ronpopo (homemade eggnog with rum). I got lots of hugs from lots of kids. I was introduced to Moms and Grandmothers I hadn't met before. And I was asked a million times, "Where are you celebrating Christmas?"
I haven't bought any gifts yet.
