Back in the U.S. it is autumn. While this is not my first year to be away from the U.S. at Thanksgiving time, this is the first year I have spent this time of year in a place where no leaves fall and the weather only warms up instead of becoming frosty.
I read Facebook posts about all of the delightful things I remember about autumn. The shortening of days. Pumpkin spice lattes. The crispness that finds it's way into the morning air. Part of my heart aches for those familiar things. On the other hand, I recognize all of the things that I'm not missing...
I was thinking this morning about the consumerism of the Western holiday season. I remember that this time of the year is so busy. First it's Thanksgiving and all of the cooking and food followed by shopping. Then it's holiday parties and programs from schools and churches. So many things going on and let's not forget, more food and shopping. Everyone wants to look nice for the parties and events so new outfits are purchased or put together... Everyone wants to impress with their Christmas letters and family portraits. Everyone wants the 'perfect' Christmas. (Think Clark Griswold here)
There is a part of me that again longs for the familiarity in all of this, but the more practical, less emotional side of me thinks of how much better it is to be where I am. Here, Thanksgiving doesn't exist. There isn't a day of watching parades and football and spending time with relatives you intentionally avoid every other day of the year. There isn't the big rush to go out and buy the newest gadget or must have gift. There are no bombardments of sentimental commercials about coffee... No commercials advertising the must have items for the season. (You can only imagine how much money that will save us in the long run...) In fact, you won't even know that Christmas is coming for about another full month in Mauritius. You will begin to find scrawny, Charlie Brown looking Christmas trees for sale around the 20th of December. (I fully intend to have one this year) But the shopping doesn't really start until Christmas Eve. I find that entirely delightful. The tradition here is that shops stay open late on Christmas Eve. The buses run late and everyone puts their kids to bed and then goes out and does their Christmas shopping. It certainly keeps things a surprise... And if they are all out of that one special item you had your eye on. Don't worry, there is something of equal or lesser value to be found just down the street.
I guess I still have some adjusting to do, espeically regarding holidays. I think this is the time of year that you make most of your family memories and hold close most of your traditions. Perhaps that is why everyone gets so sentimental about the holidays (or in some cases utterly depressed) But here's a toast to new traditions and memories to be found in a land foreign to me. Happy Holidays everyone!
