Hello!
In this blog post, I’m going to tell you all about my wonderful and very personal Christmas.
In short, Christmas without family felt a little strange. Nevertheless, it was unique and absolutely lovely. I was lucky enough to spend Christmas with my friends and Rachel and her family, and they played a huge part in making these wonderful experiences possible.
But before I go into more detail about Christmas itself, I’d like to start with the lead-up to it. Although I got into the Christmas spirit relatively early last year, it took me a bit longer to get into it this year. For example, it felt strange to be walking around in summer clothes when it was so warm. I also missed the Christmas markets a little. So I was delighted, almost like a child, when the hospital was decorated for Christmas.
Furthermore, Carols Night made my run-up to Christmas unforgettable and very lovely. This took place on a Friday evening at the hospital. We took turns singing and held a short prayer service. But the highlight for me was the nativity play.
On 23 December, my flatmate Shoka, our friend Febi from the hospital canteen, and I celebrated Christmas together. We cooked and ate together. Shoka and I also gave Febi a small present, which she was very pleased with.
Time flew by so quickly that, before I knew it, 24 December was upon us. The 24th began just like any other day, as I was at work that morning. But that was lovely, as the children were absolutely delighted. I sang Christmas carols with the children, which made them even more excited for Christmas. Later in the afternoon, I went to church with Anokye, a good friend of mine, to practise the song I was going to sing that evening. At the same time, the church was being decorated. Anokye and I were asked to help with the decorations. Well, I’m afraid we weren’t much help!
In the evening, it was time for the service. This service was also a Carol Night. This gave me the chance to sing with Doreen during the service. We sang ‘Gloria’, with Doreen singing the English version and me singing the German version. Overall, the service was lovely, with many familiar melodies.
Afterwards, we went straight home as there was church again the next morning. Perhaps some of you are now wondering about the presents. Unlike in Germany, presents aren’t opened on the 24^(th) here. My friends explained that 26 December is Boxing Day here and that’s when children receive their presents. The special thing here is that, much like at Halloween, the children go from house to house and receive sweets or small gifts. It’s also worth noting that it doesn’t necessarily have to be 26 December. You can start as early as 25 December, and you can still go out after 26 December. Adults are also allowed to go round the houses, of course.
I actually received a present from Erika’s grandmother, too. She gave me some fabric, which Erika’s mother is now using to make a dress. It was so lovely, and I’m very grateful for the gift.
As mentioned earlier, there was another church service early on Christmas morning. But I must admit that I didn’t understand much of it, as it was in Twi. I was all the more delighted when they sang. Afterwards, we went to the home of Dr Eddy, who is another good friend of mine. There, Doreen, Erika, Anokye, Dr Eddy and I played cards and baked muffins. We had a lot of fun, and the muffins tasted delicious too. 25 December went by all too quickly.
But I still had a lovely 26 December to look forward to. On the 26th, we went to visit Rachel and her family – my Ghanaian family – in Konongo. Of course, they aren’t actually my family. (My actual family are currently in Germany.) But I often refer to them as my family because I’ve grown so fond of them all. They always welcome me so warmly and Rachel, the mother, always looks after me so lovingly.
I suppose I should explain how I met Rachel and her family. I actually met them in hospital – or rather, I met Rachel and her youngest daughter, Abena, there. But don’t worry, everything is fine. Back then, I used to play with Abena a lot in the playroom. I also got on very well with Rachel, her mother. That’s why I ended up visiting them. I’m so grateful to have got to know them.
Now, back to 26 December. Above all, the children played with me a lot. We did painting and played hide-and-seek. But we all ate together too: Rachel, her husband, the three children and me. I really enjoyed spending Christmas Day with my Ghanaian family.
Now you’ve had a little glimpse into how I spent Christmas. To sum up, I can honestly say that I’m so grateful for my friends, and for Rachel and her family (my Ghanaian family). It was such a lovely Christmas and I really enjoyed it.
Finally, I wish you all a wonderful 2026!
Akyire!
Mirjam
This text was automatically translated using an AI-powered translation system.
