Christmas in Haiti

Report from the Orphanage:

Christmas Day (or “jingle bells” according to the kids) at the Toddler House began with the children waking up to a large decorated Christmas tree in their play yard. The tree was on a blue carpet and it was brimming with gifts for each child underneath. It had been set out and decorated after they went to bed on Christmas Eve so they could wake up to the surprise. The oldest group of kids made their way out into the yard as soon as they were allowed to check out the tree and gifts close up. The other children checked out the tree in wonder and excitement for what the day was about to hold as they made their way to eat breakfast. Breakfast consisted of special cereal that they do not have on a regular basis. After breakfast everyone was given a brand new outfit, picked out especially for them to wear that Christmas day. After everyone was dressed in their new outfit, the older kids prepped to act out the Christmas story. Once dressed in their costumes they made their way outside and while one of the nannies read the Christmas story, they acted out the story of Jesus birth as all of the other kids watched. Next it was time to open the gifts under the tree!! A large circle of benches and chairs were set up around the tree and after each child had found a place to sit, Molly and Joyce passed out a gift to each kid. After a everyone had their gift and a short countdown, everyone tore into the wrapping paper to see what the treasure in their lap was. The next couple of hours before lunch was filled with checking out their new toy, trading toys for a while to see what other treasures were in the yard, and enjoying some play time underneath the big tree. Lunch was very special as well. It consisted of the most favorite Haitian celebratory meal staples such fried chicken, rice & beans, and fried plantain. In addition to their large meal that had some sweet treats of cupcakes and coke or sprite to drink. The little ones then went down for a nap or rest while the older group of kids watched a movie – theater style – in the dining room. After nap/rest time it was time to receive their stockings. A stocking for each child was set up on a table in the middle of the yard as the kids gathered around and were handed a stocking as they waited patiently for everyone to receive theirs. After a short countdown everyone checked out the small toys and candy that was stuffed inside their red stocking. The rest of the afternoon was filled with more playtime with all their new toys. By 6pm, it was evident that everyone was exhausted and ready for a little supper and bedtime.

Julner, Julena, and Windy were all looking forward to Christmas day with joy and excitement. They remembered that they got gifts last year and had a high sense of anticipation for what was to come this year. They were wide-eyed as they walked through the yard and saw all the gifts stacked underneath the tree. They could not wait until the moment they would get to open the gift that was labeled just for them. While waiting for the big kids to dress and get ready for the nativity play some of the kids got up to lead the others in a song. When it was time to receive their gifts Julner and Julena sat patiently and waited for their gifts to be handed to them and to be told when it was time to open them. Windy on the other hand did all he could to contain himself as he waited for the moment he could rip open the paper and see what was inside. Julner was delighted to find a some matchbox cars, a track for the cars and a white recorder. He especially enjoyed the recorder and began to play tunes on it as soon as he opened it up. A month later it is still one of his highly prized toys and his friends are always asking him if they can borrow it. Julena’s smile was giant as she discovered a baby doll and then she was even more impressed when she found out that when you touched its hand or cheek it would babble and coo. Windy found a yellow dump truck and small soft basketball. He could be found racing and trading his truck to check out other toys that had been received on that day. The three of them spent the rest of the morning enjoying their new toys and checking out the toys that other had received. They then beamed when they found out their lunch was going to contain a cupcake and some soda. After their afternoon rest Julner, Julena, and Windy were delighted to receive a stocking full of small toys and candy. It was especially exciting for them to get more then one lollipop! They went to bed that night with smiles on their faces and so content to go to bed after such a wonderful day.

Only one week after their big Christmas celebration it was time to celebrate the New Year as well as Haiti’s independence day, which is on January 1^st. The highlight of the day for most Haitians as well as the kids at the Toddler House is a celebratory soup that is traditionally served at lunchtime. The soup is called “soup joumou”. It is a pumpkin soup that has meat, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. Everyone looks forward to this soup that is typically only served in Haitian Independence Day.