Indonesia
by Crossbone
In the beginning of December most Indonesians decorate their houses; living room, dining room and even bedroom. The Christmas tree is a must inside the house. Other than that, Christmas cookies is always be prepared too. In Indonesia we don't have snow falling from the sky, but the taste of a 'snowy cake' should be enough for us to at least have some 'snow' in our Christmas day.
One day before Christmas day, which is 24th of December, we go to the church to attend the pre-Christmas service. After the service, families usually gather in one of their member's house to celebrate Christmas. A dinner with the whole family is always feel very warm in the Christmas night although we don't usually cook a certain recipe.
Some families also arrange a time for us to give our presents to the ones we love. Parents will give presents to their children, brothers to sisters and so on. Right on the Christmas day, which is 00:00 local time, some families will have another family service in their home. In this time family members are usually share their stories and burden each other and of course strengthen each other too.
On Christmas Day, of course we all go to the church to attend the service. Then we will go to our relatives place to visit them and share the joy of Christmas together.
All the way to new year, we usually visiting our relatives one by one, of course to celebrate Christmas together.
©Compiled by Emma/Curve curve@dal.net 2002
