It’s Christmas time , I see light everywhere and Christmas trees in houses. It’s very beautiful. I have got very beautiful memories of my youth during Christmas. I was a dancer in a children’s group at our church. We were wearing crowns made of paper and dresses of all colours of the rainbow. I remember my dress was green. The Christmas show was very exciting. The choir would sing while we were dancing.
I was always looking forward to the moment after the show to visit baby Jesus in a basket under the Christmas tree. This church was the only place in our village where we could all see a Christmas tree. Now you must know how difficult it was, the tiny me pushing all these big people to arrive at the front where I could finally watch baby Jesus and all those beautiful lights and bells. My mother would give me 5 Burundian Francs to give as a present to baby Jesus. I was so proud I could give a present without expecting anything in return. I believed in kindness and now I see what my mother was trying to teach me; To share the love, to help the people in need.
Every Christmas those memories come back. Now I can enjoy a Christmas tree in my own house with beautiful lights. I only miss my parents, and they remain in my heart everyday and when I celebrate Christmas I remember them too. Last time I celebrated Christmas in Burundi with my father was December 2006. Thank God I have a new family in Netherlands that are very kind. God knew I will miss my parents and gave me a very special family in law. They love me unconditionally! They celebrate with us every Christmas, even this year they are with us. God thank you for such wonderful parents!
My Christmas wish is that I want to have them as long as possible healthy and happy as they are always. God bless my family and keep us united!
I want to thank everyone who impacted upon my life this year, and I am wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy new Year 2019.
Peace,
Eliane
