Neighborhood Christmas Party
The day after our Mexican dinner party, the whole family attended a Christmas party for the children in our neighborhood. I’m still not completely sure I understand the nature of the organization which was responsible for this gathering, but I’ve become so accustomed to be a bit in the dark all the time that it doesn’t really bother me. Usually, all things explain themselves in time.
To kick things off, the even began with a craft project. For this, we gathered at the Komu. I was excited to finally have the opportunity to use the wood shop that is located there. After everyone was assembled and two of the older children (fifth-graders) made some opening comments, we all began to assemble our little Christmas trees. Someone had prepared wooden dowels, a base, and a top for us. These were glued together to form the skeleton of the tree. Using a pattern, we then cut a piece of green indoor/outdoor carpet and shaped it into a cone. Fastening this with glue, we now had the body of the tree. This was then set upon the wooden supports and simply balanced in place. The kids had fun gluing on small ornaments and wrapping cotton around the tree to represent snow. Aaron got to play with a jigsaw and cut the star for the top of the tree. He had so much fun that one of the dads gave him a reindeer shaped ornament and simply said, “challenge.” After that, I lost him to the power tools as he happily cut out a little wooden reindeer.
After we finished our trees, everyone trekked over to the building adjacent to the Yakuba (city office building). This is across the street from our house. Green indoor/outdoor carpeting was unrolled and low tables were assembled. The women brought out trays of food, bottles of drinks, and two electric skillets. Everyone sat or knelt at the tables and the women began cooking various thinly cut meats and vegetables while the children and other guests helped themselves to the snack foods on the trays. It was a relaxed me, and the children had a lovely time running ‘round like wild animals half the time. After the meal, the kids played bingo for presents. Everyone simply kept playing until all the presents were given away, one for each child.
It was a longer evening than expected; we were out until after 8:00. Towards the end of the party, Aaron and I were pulled down to the end where the men were. It was inevitable, really. We are great entertainment. Fortunately, my Japanese has improved a little bitty bit so the conversation was marginally easier this time, as opposed to the village festival. The men are really a hoot, always asking about Juneau’s weather, Aaron’s shoe size, and the aren’t-you-going-to-have-more-kids comments. The family across the street from us has five children, and Aaron told the father that his wife works too hard. They all laughed.
In the end, the leftovers were divided up and we pulled the boys back home in the sled, grateful for the quite of our house. Between our dinner party and the kid’s party, we were pooped, and I had a kitchen full of dishes yet to clean.
Here’s a couple of pictures of the day:
Setting up the Food
Making Trees at Komu
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