One of the strange things about living outside our home country is that the holidays are different. We struggle to realize that everything will be shut down for Garifuna Day, St. Georges Caye Day, Pan American Day & National Heroes and Benefactors Day (what an unfortunate name) to mention a few and have no one mention the 4th of July or Thanksgiving. I'm sure it's the same for expats from every country. I think it's getting much easier each year tho' as we can get turkeys and some of the traditional foods, even in the Chinese stores. My favorite Taiwanese store, Huang's, will try to get specialty items we request. This Thanksgiving, we were invited to share the day with several friends at Betty & Robin James's home. Great food and wonderful conversations. Heard lots about Ecuador from friends who are visiting here for a bit. There are so many beautiful and interesting places all over the world.
Belizeans do very little that's visible to prepare for Christmas. It's probably just not as commercial, but I have to admit that I miss the music and all the lights. We left most of our Christmas decorations in the States and don't put up lights because of the solar system. I always went overboard to decorate, but now just bring out a couple of small treasures and that's it. Our weather here has been unbeatable lately, but I guess I'm a little crazy, as I miss the snow and the craziness and warmth of Christmas in Oregon.
2 comments:
Interesting, because Christmas is a big deal in San Pedro! Lights, trees, a lighted boat parade, home decoration contest, and more. I didn't realize it wasn't celebrated in some of the other Belizean communities.
Lights and other Christmas decorations are definitely the thing in Corozal.
If you get a chance and come up this way, make sure to drive s-l-o-w-l-y through Tony's Resort - they're lighting display is spectacular. It would even be worth a drive-through in the States.
Cheers,
Dave
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