There won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime*

*Except for Lesotho, Morocco, Tanzania, Egypt and several other countries.

Now, where is that North Pole tro-tro? (Photo: Joe Lapp)

In Ghana, where 70% of the population is Christian (and fiercely so), Christmas is a big deal. But without the prevalence of disposable incomes and large chain stores, it may not *seem* like Christmas in the commercial sense, as there are fewer reminders. Besides, in the heat of the dry season, anyone dressing up in a red suit, hat and faux beard should probably be avoided altogether. So there are not many festive decorations and lights (especially with electricity tariffs on the rise). However, the hawkers have adjusted for the season, selling inflatable goods and African Santa statues are a hot item this year.

Hopefully nobody left a "present" on the beach. (Photo: Joe Lapp)

Coming from the lands of ice and snow, Mr. and Mrs. O are left in a place feeling very un-Christmas-y. Mr. O, who believes that Christmastime starts the first Sunday of Advent and not a moment sooner, has enjoyed the lack of overt commercialism and 24/7 caroling on the radio. Even at church, the usual seasonal hymns are absent. Mrs. O, who gets into arguments with Mr. O on how early in November the decorations can go up, has felt more out of place. On the upside, they packed most of their Christmas decorations and have put up the tree - and with the curtains drawn and AC cranked, the living room looks and feels like they are back home in the dead of winter.

For Mr. O, this is a big deal: on his previous stint in Ghana, he could not imagine a warm Christmas and fled to Ireland with Mrs. O for the Christmas season. Thus, it will be a big leap for him out of his comfort zone.

Being away from family is difficult too. There are spots at the family tables back home that will be empty, especially with the absence of Little Miss. Thankfully, colleagues and friends who have not flown elsewhere for the holidays have been planning brunches, dinners and barbecues to celebrate and enjoy the season together. So at least their minds will be kept busy and they will not miss out on the traditional seasonal gaining of ten pounds.



FUN FACT: As the story goes, Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas" while in California. So while it remains a radio staple in frigid countries, the lyrics are about homesickness. Listening to it endlessly while shopping at the mall, Mr. O never liked it. But this year, it's actually tugged at the heartstrings. Of course, in his house, ATCO's "Soul Christmas" cassette was the only one played, so here is Otis Redding's take - possibly the only song that makes one feel festive, homesick and ready to make a baby all at once.