It Was A Christmas Like No Other!

Tom and I flew to Mendoza, Argentina via Santiago, Chile the week before Christmas to spend the holidays with daughter-Debby, husband-Michael and granddaughters-Meghan and Helen. I really had no idea what to expect as this was our first trip to South America but I did know it was summer and most of the old holiday traditions of the Hughes family would be on hold this year.

First, we found there were no trees for sale that we could bring back to decorate even though we brought a few ornaments and even our friends, the Brydes, sent a few made of olive wood from the Holy Land. Second, it was unbelievably HOT. At one point when we returned from our trip the week before to Iguazu Falls, the cab driver pointed to the thermometer that showed 38C or 100 degrees. I did say HOT. Next, all but a couple of the gifts we brought from everyone were in the bottom of a duffle bag - each very small and suitable for a family trekking through the South American continent.

Christmas day was spent in our small but cool apartment. Both the girls slept in (another change for Christmas morning). We sat around the small kitchen table with all the presents piled up in the center. One by one the gifts were opened - luggage tags, sunglasses, scarves, 3-D drawing paper, nail polish, jewelry, small stuffed toys, three pieces of clothing for each girl and also a Kindle so Meghan and Helen can download books to read while traveling. I loved watching as each present was opened followed by thanks with hugs and kisses.

The afternoon was spent putting together another Christmas present of an African animal puzzle. Both these girls are really good at this.

All the stores and restaurants were closed so master chef Michael fixed us "Christmas Spaghetti",salad and toasted bread with olive oil - a good dinner that we all enjoyed. Following dinner we had fun with the one traditional event we love - opening English crackers. We did it the correct way this year - each of us grabbed the string of the person beside them and crossed arms. When the count was up, the strings were pulled and the craker makes a loud "pop". Out spills a paper crown, a joke and a toy. We laughed, put on our colorful crowns, played games and read each other our joke. A really fun way to end the day.

Yes, it was a very different Christmas - but one basking in the love of family, of just being together and sharing precious moments is as close to understanding our Lord's love as we can experience. Welcome, Baby Jesus!