To be jolly, despite being away from the Motherland.
And jolly, it was! I think it's so easy to get lost in the frills of this season- the prezzies, the parties, food and and and. Ooh, especially when you're surrounded by people from countries where people's Christmas activities are hard core (USA and Canada). But this year was different for me because, amidst all the fun and games, Jesus was consistently the focus for the festivities. The same people who shared this different (to SA's) culture of Christmas festivities, shared a common and consistent focus for the season: Jesus. How awesomely blessed to have such a legend born for the sole purpose of our freedom!
On Wednesday, the women's bible study group kicked off the gift traditions early, with a game of White Elephant. At our usual spot (Sarah's and Pete's apartment), the old bible study grounds became a battle field for givers and robbers.
On Wednesday, the women's bible study group kicked off the gift traditions early, with a game of White Elephant. At our usual spot (Sarah's and Pete's apartment), the old bible study grounds became a battle field for givers and robbers.
The White Elephant concept (for those, like me, who have never done it before):
Everyone brings a gift for no more than an agreed on price. Ours was 5000 Korean Won (R35; about 5 USD).
Gifts are placed in the middle of the room.
Each person gets a number.
The first person chooses a gift, opens it and shows it to everyone.
The next person may choose to steal person one's gift, or open a new one.
If a gift is stolen from you, you may choose a new one or steal from someone else (not the person who has just stolen from you).
Each gift has 3 lives. Once it's been stolen 3 times, it's safe.
Christine Wang was there to capture all the action as it happened. The joy, the plotting, the theft, the disappointment, the victories, and and final satisfaction. Watch and learn.
Laurentia happy at first.
Diana (next to Laurentia) becomes the first robber of the evening.
Christine sniffs the gifts to suss out what she wants to take.
Raquel- a satisfied gift recipient.
Sarah becomes the burster of the Laurentia bubble, stealing the perfume and gloss from her. Eishhhh.
Sorry, Young! Those leg warmers looked to good not to steal. My face= the thrill of daylight robbery!
Sarah chooses a lovely photo hanger thingy after being stolen from. I think she loves it.
You don't know how hilarious it is watching people break one another's hearts!
Just look at the heart break in those eyes! Priceless!
...and this one! After I became the traitor friend who encouraged Laurentia to take Raquel's gift. I'm so sowi!
Diana, pleading with a robber, to leave her alone.
She is unsuccessful and targets Kathy's pretty pink candle. Kathy is deeply hurt.
Young's FIFTH time unlucky! So sad, but sooooo funny!
Luarie and Diana making strategic bargains so their hands can be free to steal. Ha!
The final gift opened was the loveliest, too. A pleasant way to end the game.
As the (revised) saying goes:
All is fair in love, war and white elephanting. At least happy faces were the conclusion of it all.
This is happy Kristen (lovely lady from Canada. I love Canada).
And this is the lovely host, Sarah. Sarah gave Laurentia this perfume to keep. Comradery in robbery exists.
Kathy also got her groove back!
Alissa and Gabi. As merry as can be!
My first out-of-Africa Christmas could not have been more pleasant. I hope yours was just as blessed!
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