Children's Village Blog
A Tanzanian Christmas

December 30, 2007
Christmas
From India Howell, Director:

Dear All,

We had a fabulous Christmas here. The kids were literally squealing in ecstasy when they saw what Santa had brought them. “Cars that move by themselves”, BIG dolls with hair you can “style”, stuffed animals to hug at night. You could literally feel joy in the air. Everyone opened gifts and played in their homes until late morning. Then we all converged on the Rec Hall where each family did a performance. I was immortalized on film in my teased hair and 60’s outfit singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” with my kids. All my girls wore wigs and literally looked like a short version of the Supremes. But I think the best part was watching the shell shocked expressions of the littlest kids when they were up on stage with everyone looking them. It’s amazing - kids always want to be the center of attention, but when they get it in spades, it blows their minds!

After the performances the kids and staff had a feast of goat pilau, salads, soda and sweets. The mamas and volunteers literally spent two days cooking! The pots used were the size of my living room: it took three people to lift them!!

My favorite part of the day – nap time!! Believe it or not, every single child fell into a deep sleep. All the anticipation of the previous days and the excitement of the big event easily overcame the sugar high from the cup of soda and sweets. The whole village went dead quiet for about 2 hours and then, like an explosion they all woke up and serious play with all the new toys began. Since I am the keeper of the batteries, my afternoon was about handing out batteries and sorting through claims of “Benja took my batteries!” “I took them from Saidi because Jackie took mine” on and on. Kids!!

Every little girl received a new doll. The dolls were all identical, but within 24 hours, each had its own unique look. Some with nail polish and some with teased hair (like Mama’s). Some with outfits that came with the dolls and some wearing home made kangas (Tanzanian style of dress). So interesting to see how little girls transferred their own personalities onto their dolls.

The boys were the biggest surprise. Everyday they all “trade” their toys for the day and then without squabbling, return them to each other to trade with someone else the next day. I love to see this new way of sharing and spreading the wealth!

So now I just need to get my brain back! Three days of crazy kid excitement, huge holiday dinners with 19 adults at night and I am fried. But it was all great fun and well worth it!

Happy New Year! Cheers!
India