Havin' a Tropical Christmas

Growing up, one of my favorite Christmas CDs from my mom's extensive collection was called "Make a Wish for Christmas." The cover is green, and the 3rd track is "Havin' a Tropical Christmas" by the Bellamy Brothers:

Well, it sure is nice down here this time of year

The tourists are tanned and there's holiday cheer

Here comes Santa Claus, havin' a tropical Christmas

I'm mailin' out cards to the great frozen North

Sweatin' from the energy I could force

In jingle bells, havin' a tropical Christmas

And when the Sun sets down in the ocean

We'll decorate the palm tree

We'll mingle ornaments with coconut lights

Then we'll go caroling through paradise

And thank Baby Jesus for this tropical silent night

First we'll open our presents, then we'll lay on the beach

Later we'll call, see what relatives we reach

In their winter wonderland, havin' a tropical Christmas

And when the Sun sets down in the ocean

We'll decorate the palm tree

We'll mingle ornaments with coconut lights

Then we'll go caroling through paradise

And thank Baby Jesus for this tropical silent night

Hey Kris Kringle, when you empty your sleigh

Stop by and kick back with us a few days

You and Rudolph, havin' a tropical Christmas

We'll build a snowman in sand, havin' a tropical Christmas

Grandma wants a new bikini, havin' a tropical Christmas

Y'all come on down, we'll have a tropical Christmas

Bring your suntan oil, havin' a tropical Christmas

Let their be peace on Earth, havin' a tropical Christmas

Bring some surfboards for the kids...

I always liked it but never thought I'd be living it quite so literally. Here's a look at what my tropical Christmas entailed. 

My first wedding in the DR, and the first at my church. Rev. Sergio Fritzler had the privilege of joining his brother, Daniel, and his bride in holy matrimony. We then celebrated Christmas Day Divine Service before a sparkling cider toast to the bride and groom. 

This afternoon, the missionary family (plus some out-of-town visitors and new friends from Santiago Christian School) gathered for Lessons and Carols, a traditional order featuring nine readings that take you from the promise of a Savior in Genesis to Isaiah's prophecies to the oh-so-familiar Christmas story in Luke 2 to the immortal opening verses of John's Gospel, intermingled with corresponding seasonal hymns. Our version was bilingual; several missionaries and missionary kids participated by singing, playing instruments, and "reading" from memory. I loved it! You can watch the entire thing - or just a few minutes - here. 

Immediately following was a Christmas pageant put on by the missionary kids. Prepare yourself for some major cuteness before watching this. 

Our evening concluded with a potluck that rivaled last month's Thanksgiving one. My cream cheese-stuffed olive penguins and chocolate truffles got lots of compliments. 

Wherever you are and whomever you're celebrating with this night, may you treasure the Good News that

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). 

Until next time, blessings!