The stockings were hung on the counter with care...

For 29 years I have spent Christmas in Bermuda (with one exception in PA to see snow!) so needless to say, this year has been DIFFERENT! But I've come to realize that DIFFERENT isn't always BAD!

FELIZ NAVIDAD!

Here are some fun facts about a Dominican Christmas...

1. Although some people put lights up around their home, it is more common for a Dominican to paint their home for Christmas.

2. Dominican Christmas music is very different from our music in English. (See my FB page for a little taste of the culture here) but the people LOVE to sing along with all the traditional Dominican instruments. In the weeks leading up to Christmas little groups will visit houses in the wee hours of the morning and won't stop singing until you come out and give them something.

3. December 24th is bigger than December 25th. Families gather together on Christmas eve and eat, eat and EAT some more while enjoying time together. The 25th is used to recover.

4. Turkey is only eaten by the more wealthy families here while families in the villages enjoy chicken for Christmas. Roasted pig is also a VERY special treat.

5. Gifts are rarely given to each other on December 25th but a gift or 2 is given to children on January 6th.

6. "Santa" doesn't bring the gifts, the 3 wise men do so children are encouraged to leave water and hay under their beds for the camels.

7. On December 25th and January 1st Dominicans will "estrenar." This means that they'll put on a new outfit and go out to make sure others see them in their new outfit. lol. I thought that this tradition was only among the teenagers but Robersy's grandfather informed me that he has his outfit picked out to "estrenar" too :)

Although I have truly missed the Bermudian/Scottish traditions that my family enjoys leading up to the holidays, I am so thankful to enjoy my hubby's culture.

Tomorrow Robersy and I are heading out to the village where his family lives for Christmas. We'll have no access to internet until December 25th but we trust you and yours will have a VERY Merry Christmas! But as your celebrating PLEASE keep a few special people in your prayers since it will be a very difficult Christmas.

Pat Bishop who lost her hubby Ron (director/founder of SCORE) this year.

Shawn, Nell and Shaquan Williams - Shawn is my dad's work partner and has been since I was little so we've known the family for most of our lives. YESTERDAY his son passed away in a motorcycle accident.

Jordanny, a boy on Robersy's baseball team. His brother drowned at the beach TODAY. 

I know that there are so many other people suffering this Christmas, but these people are heavy on my heart right now. As you are getting ready in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holidays don't forget the reason that we celebrate. That same Savior who came to bring life and hope to the world can also comfort broken hearts....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!