Comparing Christmases
During these five months stateside, I think I had been trying to avoid a direct confrontation with the aspects of northamerican culture which stand in starkest contrast to Honduran culture. Call it culture shock or just plain homesickness: I tried to keep an emotional foot in both worlds. Christmas brought all of that to a head, and whatever battle I thought I was waging was decidedly lost on my part. What a tidal wave of all that is good and not-so-good in a USA Christmas! I felt overwhelmed with the perceived cultural expectations, and also overwhelmed by the constant, generous overtures of love. It is no wonder that the rest of the world gapes at our country's fascination with celebration, giftgiving, spending, eating, and even loving. The best-hope scenario for an average Honduran (for Christmas) is a special meal (tamales, torrejas, Coke) and maybe a new set of clothes. At midnight on Christmas Eve, a cloud of smoke can probably be seen by satellite all over Latin America as firecrackers explode non-stop for about 30 minutes. Once the noise subsides, many people sit down to enjoy their Christmas meal. Christmas morning is "celebrated" by sleeping late and visiting with friends and family. Gifts can be opened at any time; they are not the focus. My girls and I loved the Christmas Eve worship and being with our Christian family here. We also received many lovely things to take home with us, for which we are thankful. We all missed our community in Honduras, especially the children in San Buenaventura. They have been such a huge part of our Christmas celebration recent years! But we have loved growing closer to our stateside God-given family.
In short, there is no "better way" to celebrate Christmas; each culture has its own expression, and in the end, what floats to the surface is the joy of being together on Jesus' birthday. My family is thankful to have had the experience of celebrating Christmas with our stateside friends and family, and we will be thankful next year to be in Honduras. Wherever we are, Jesus is.
Peace, love and joy to all as we enter 2011!
posted by Suzy @ 12:08 PM
5 Comments
5 Comments:
Hey! As an American also struggling to live through culture shock and cultural differences, I really relate to your post! We have good days and hard days adjusting here. It is wonderful to feel accepted and loved, but many times we miss the simplicity and community-mindedness of Honduras. Thanks for writing, we hope the rest of your trip is filled with blessings!
Nice to hear from you, Eric (and Dulce)! You are the ace blogger! :-) Being bicultural and bilingual is a blessing in many ways, but also difficult emotionally at times. I'm wondering how well the girls will re-adjust when we return to Honduras. Thank God He is the same yesterday and forever, and keeps us anchored. Blessings and hugs to all your precious family!
Suzy, so glad you are doing this blog. Will be so glad to hear how things are going down there.
Ahh, I see that Eric read and commented on your posting also! I'm so thankful that I see, appreciate, and understand (to some degree) the joys, difficulties and challenges of experiencing two cultures. Doesn't it add a tremendous richness and abundance to life as well?!
--Margaret Drew
Yes it does! My children are starting to experience what it means to be bilingual and bicultural, and I love watching them juggle the two.
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