Oh! Holy Weekend

Wow - I really got into the Christmas spirit this weekend!

On Saturday night, we went to the Petone Baptist Church to see their portrayal of the first Christmas in Bethlehem. It was beautifully done. We arrived and outside in the garden was a petting zoo with a goat, alpaca, cute little kunekune pig and lamb. As we walked towards the entrance, a choir serenaded us with carols. Upon entering, we met a shepherd who had lost his sheep and was rather frantic. A couple of teenage "officials" recorded our presence by making a chalk mark on a blackboard - representing the census takers in Bethlehem, the census being the reason Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem (or perhaps, the reason they couldn't find accommodation? My knowledge of these things is mainly limited to Jesus Christ Superstar and the lyrics of Chrsitmas carols!).



We then entered the main "market place" (hall) and Rai took part in all the various activities - making a clay pot, decorating a cupcake, folding a flax flower, spinning wool, baking bread and petting a rabbit. We also dressed up as the holy family, we had Baby Jesus and Baby Luka, plus an Asian Joseph (Seiji) and random boy added (Rai). They haven't sent us the photos yet, but apparently they will.

It was all simply magical and I hope to go again next year.

Then, on Sunday, I dragged Rai along to the Christmas carols at Lower Hutt Town Hall.  One and a half hours later, we had sung 14 songs with the choir, and listened to them sing a selection of tunes, including an awesome version of Summertime from Porgy and Bess. Rai loved it because he knew quite a few of the carols from his own school's Christmas Concert. His favourite is Feliz Navidad.

Rai's songsheet

Then, best news of all, today I completed my Christmas shopping!  And most of it from the comfort of my own armchair - thank you internet.