How I celebrated Christmas in Ghana

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Throughout the month of December:
In the U.S. Christmas season begins the day Thanksgiving ends. We spend the month of December putting up decorations, listening to Christmas music, gift shopping, and attending Christmas parties and gatherings. Christmas isn't so big in Ghana. Maybe there are some decorations in restaurants or hotels, but other than that... 

At the Accra Mall:
Imagine your typical mall in the U.S. The Accra Mall is basically the same, just a bit smaller and the food court is outdoors. When I was there on Saturday I treated myself to frozen yogurt with blueberries, strawberries, and kiwi. It was really nice to be at the mall, surrounded by lights and decorations and Christmas music-


On Christmas Eve:
I accompanied the band to a church where they performed. It wasn't your typical Christmas Eve service. In fact, Christmas was not even mentioned, neither in speech nor in song.

On Christmas Day:
I accompanied the band again to another church in Cape Coast. This church hosted a carnival/party for some local orphanages. They had face painting, a trampoline, a giant slide, and a train for the kids-





The band was also part of the Christmas entertainment-



Christmas dinner:
I ate okra stew with rice. As I ate I watched some NBA basketball and then a random, cheesy Christmas movie. 

Overall:
It was a good Christmas. Definitely different. I missed my family dearly. 

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays. Merry Christmas!


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