Merry Christmas Ethiopia!

Today is Ganna and millions of Ethiopians are celebrating! At 4am, they will dress in the traditional white shamma and go to church services at either the ancient churches carved from volcanic rock or the modern ones made of concentric circles. Here the choir will sing, you walk around the church three times with a candle, and stand for the mass which can last up to three hours.


Afterwards, the day is filled with spending time with the family. Since many fasted the day before, they have purchased their cow or goat and will have a big Christmas meal. It is very popular to play a game also called ganna, which is like field hockey with a wooden ball. They do not exchange gifts, unless it is a simple gift of clothes. I love this! I wish we could go back to a simple Christmas of worshipping God and playing games with family. I'd love to ditch the two months of shopping and trying to find a perfect gift for Aunt Freda.

Melkin Yelidet Beaal!