Do They Know It’s Christmas?

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for Rascal who will not stay out of the Christmas tree no matter how much we yell at her!  Christmas in Kampala is a bit different than back home since there was not a single snowflake in the 75-degree weather, and we were wearing shorts and t-shirts.  It was even too warm to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

Merry Christmas from Greg, Katie, & Rascal!

Though the weather wasn’t the norm for us, we kept the Christmas Day atmosphere by relaxing together in front of a wood fire crackling on the TV, while the lights on the tree twinkled and classic Christmas songs played in the background.  Even Rascal got into the Christmas spirit after she opened her stocking and started playing with her new toys.  We were ready to spend a relaxing Christmas Day at home, but instead decided to go to an Embassy friend’s house and enjoy good company and food at their pig roast!  Not your regular way to enjoy the holiday ham, but it was definitely tasty and fun.  We may just have to take this tradition home with us the next time we are back for Christmas!

Rascal was very excited for her stocking!

Christmas morning.

So, do they know it’s Christmas here in Uganda?  Yes, they do, especially in the stores.  Like back home, the big stores put a ton of toys and decorations (trees, lights, etc.) right in the front and the usual Christmas music plays over the loudspeakers.  The Marines here had a toy drive at the Embassy and delivered the gifts to a local orphanage and played with the kids there.  And as for the reason for the season, tons of locals head to Christmas Day mass dressed up in their Sunday best.

Some parts of Kampala Christmas are the same as home, but nothing can beat a snowy Christmas morning with that cup of hot chocolate and a real wood fireplace.