Never before have I had such a Christmas. This year I didn’t do the advent calendar with my family every day of December. I didn’t work with a group of dancing little girls. I didn’t wear a tacky Christmas sweater all season. And sadly, I spent my holidays without a single candy cane. However, this Christmas, despite the lack of tacky sweaters and candy canes, was amongst the best Christmases I’ve ever had.
As a team, our Christmas festivities began on Christmas Eve. On the day before Christmas, Molly and I ran errands through our area of Kathmandu. We went to Higher Ground Bakery which is a bakery that helps women leaving the sex trade industry. We bought sweet treats for ourselves and our team. As if by magic, Molly and I found a cute little shop where we were able to pick up some last minute gifts for Christmas. We mailed Christmas cards. And picked up chips and salsa from the American run Mexican restaurant. Finally, we ran by the market and picked up final ingredients for Christmas Eve dinner.
After a rushed morning, my entire team (plus Connie, Neff, Drea, and Hunter) and Sameer (the son of our contact) enjoyed an early Christmas Eve dinner of risotto and zucchini made by Piva. We savored the deliciousness of Piva’s Brazilian-Italian cooking styles and enjoyed each other’s company. Once we finished, we then went off to the Christmas Candlelight service at the International Church of Kathmandu.
This church service was incredible. It took place in a gymnasium, and it was not the most elegant service. But it was filled with such a passion. Many of the people who attend the International Church of Kathmandu are missionaries and refugees. It was filled with so much spirit and warmth. The service began with everyone saying Merry Christmas in their own language and continued with the message of how Jesus came for the salvation of everyone. It was a beautiful melting pot of nationalities.
At the conclusion of the service, our Christmas Crew (team Nahala plus Connie, Neff, Drea, Hunter, and Sameer) went back to our home for a potluck of snacks and games. We just enjoyed one another’s company and played Christmas-themed charades. There was such a joyful spirit in this night. Once Connie, Hunter, and Sameer left. The rest of us settled down for a small winter’s nap. Because as the clock struck 12 midnight, Piva and I woke everyone up for the first gifts of Christmas. All of Nahala opened one small gift wished everyone a Merry Christmas and then went back to bed.
The next morning came too soon. Molly and I had to leave by 7:30 am to arrive at church on time. As the two of us scrambled, it was impossible not to notice that Santa Claus had visited, for there was a plate of cookies and chocolates left in our shoes. Molly and I made our bus to church in time to arrive early for Church.
Christmas day, itself can only be described in one word “Nepali”. In Nepal, churches often use Christmas day as an oprotunity to evangelize to the public. Many non-Christian Nepalis are familiar with Christmas, and as such are interested in learning more about Christmas. So my team spent the day at such a Nepali Christmas event.
Molly and I arrived precisely when we were supposed to, in order to meet with the dancers. And none of the other dancers were ready. We were taken to a house of a couple from church and then to the banquet hall where the Christmas festivity was to be held. Molly and I were there and waiting for an hour and half before we met up with the other dancers. By which time the rest of our team had arrived.
The church service was very “Nepali”. None of us knew what was being said or indeed what was really going on. Kamie, Colleen, and Drea painted faces of children and adults all day on Christmas during the service. The praise team sang. Skits were performed. Many, many dances occurred. Molly and I were privileged to join on of the Nepali dances dressed in Nepali wear. We ate delicious Nepali foods and door prizes were passed out. Lastly, we participated in a Church-wide Secret Santa. By the time we caught our bus back home it was 6:30 pm.
By 8:00 pm, we were finally home. That is when my team fully celebrated Christmas! We talked about the Christmas story and read Isaiah 53. We did communion and shared what was on our hearts. Then we went to our gifts. We opened our stocking gifts which everyone had bought for one another! And lastly our Team Secret Santa gifts.
All in all, this year’s Christmas was not at all a “typical” Christmas for me. But this year’s Christmas was special in so many ways. And every way it was a very Nepali Christmas!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Lots of Love from Nepal,
Leslie (and Team Nahala)
