Robyn.Bowles.es

I’ve been absent from my blog for a looong time! Busy, busy, busy! October was overflowing with guests and activities; November was a month of recovery and catch-up and December has found each of suffering our turn at various illnesses, more than once.

So today it is Christmas. Many people have asked what we’ll do for Christmas this year. Adults will stop Josiah in the street or at the grocery store and ask him if he’s written his letter to Los Reyes(The Kings), some then pause and, realizing his American parents, change the question to ask about Papa Noel (Santa).

Josiah did a brief stint in “Guardería” (daycare) this month as an opportunity for him to make friends and hear more Spanish. And one of the activities this month was a Christmas party to which the parents could bring the kids in costume. I personally prefer the celebration of the Kings bringing gifts (as they truly did 2000+ years ago, to Jesus), over Santa Claus. So this year I made a King costume for Josiah, and he has an Advent calendar with a picture of the Kings on their way to see Jesus – the last day of the calendar is January 6.

And then I read this article today, and thought it spoke well to what Christmas is like here.

And to answer the question of what we’ve done for Christmas this year: on Sunday night we had a nice Christmas dinner party with our friends which included a scavenger hunt for the kids to find their handmade gifts; and a gift exchange between the adults. This morning consisted of sleeping in until 11am, then cleaning the house to the sounds of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, to prepare for our friends who were going to come over tonight for food, games and movies but, who unfortunately had to cancel due to illness. We’ve postponed the Christmas gathering until tomorrow.

But what we’re really looking forward to is King’s Day, the 6th of January! The night before there is a huge parade with lots of candy showered down on the spectators below; and the morning of the 6th kids find the gifts that the Three Kings have brought them, hidden around the house. This year will be extra special because Samuel’s mom will be with us to celebrate!

We like that the story of the Three Kings is about Jesus, who has given us the greatest gift of all!

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