Today is Christmas in Ethiopia! In case you haven't heard, the primary calendar in Ethiopia is based on the Alexandrian calendar. If you have a fascination of calendars or how humans measure time, check out this link: (http://www.selamta.net/Ethiopian%20Calendar.htm)  Otherwise, take my word for it...the calendar is different. They are in the year 2000 right now. 2001 will begin this September 11.


So you are probably asking, "Iesha, how do you celebrate Christmas in Ethiopia?" Glad you asked! I assumed you fasted yesterday, right? Good. Then you attend the huge procession in the wee hours of the morning followed by a three hour mass. Then you go home and have a yummy feast of traditional food like doro wat and, of course, lots of injera. Maybe a little honey wine to wash it down? Then you go outside to play a rousing game of ganna...it's a bit like hockey using a long stick and a ball. It is believed to be the same game the shepherds played when they heard about Jesus' birth. ("Whoa, guys?! Did you hear what that angel said? Quick! Let's make up a game!!")  You don't really give gifts. Maybe an article of clothing to the little children, but that's it. Praying, eating, drinking, and playing games. Sounds a bit like Christmas here when you think about it. 
http://www.ehow.com/how_10775_celebrate-ethiopian-christmas.html



Oh, I almost forgot another big Christmas connection! Go ahead and pull out your manger scene and give one of the little Wise Men a tiny high five. King Balthazar of Ethiopia, one of the Magi, was the bringer of the frankincense. If you haven't smelled frankincense, you need to go get some in the form of oil, incense or candle right away because it smells so good! Believe it or not, Yankee Candle just released a new fragrance called Royal Frankincense. We bought it from our closest Hallmark store, but I do not see it at Yankee Candle's website. Call ahead and maybe your friendly Hallmark store can get you some. Some folks sell it online, so check it out.

Merry Christmas to everyone...for the first or second time around!