Christmas in Damongo

Earlier in August, I was told that there is not really any Christmas celebration happening in Damongo.  The faithful attend the Midnight Mass and the Christmas Day Mass and go home to their regular routine just like any regular day. That day I promised a few Ghanaian friends that we will celebrate Christmas in a special way this year.  We are going to have a Christmas party or gathering in my new home and possibly introduce the “exchange gift” practice we have in the United States

Preparations were tight for the event as I had to leave Damongo in October and upon my return move into the new house.  But I was determined to have the party so my friends and co-workers could experience the joy of a western style Christmas. Karen, the other LMH missionary assigned at the St. Anne’s Girls Senior High School helped a lot by preparing some food for the occasion, bringing the beer, and lending some tables we could use.  My colleagues at work helped me purchased the pork to cure and make the ham and ground pork for spring rolls to serve at the party. Another co-worker friend helped with the arrangements for the canopy, tables, and chairs rental.

Christmas Day lunch was ready after the Christmas Day Mass. Everyone came in their festive best.  The children were also dressed in their Sunday best.  Even the children from within the area of the house came to join the fun.  We had a surprise visitor that day – Chief Joseph, the chieftain of one of the local tribes came with his friend.  After the meal, we played the “elephant game” (thank you Karen for providing some of the gifts).  Goody bags were given to the children who were happy and grateful to receive them.

The highlight of the gathering was at the end when Chief Joseph spoke and thank everyone and said that they have realized that Christmas can be celebrated this way – joyful, united, grateful and with love.  He promised that he will continue to do what has been started and that a new tradition was born.  He even committed to host the next year’s Christmas party in his home.

I am grateful to have celebrated my first Christmas in Damongo with new found friends and to have shared a little piece of how Christmas is celebrated in the other parts of the world.