There’s a lot of prep work before an artificial tree looks like an almost-real tree.
Unpackaging and sorting begins with wreaths for doors at my residence, pastor’s office, daycare, dental, kitchen, office, dining room, and the Urukundo Learning Center. Simple but very Christmas.
This year is the first year for a tree at the Urukundo Learning Center. I am a very opinionated woman, and for years I have tried to keep Christmas as the Rwandese celebrated it. It was the birth of Christ only. I like that a lot. It was not a tree, Santa Claus, presents, and lots of food. Each year, the commercial part of Christmas becomes more and more prevalent.
When I first came there was little activity in the stores pertaining to Christmas. Twenty-four years later, the stores look a lot like stores in the USA.
Christmas begins to rear its head in late October and early November. To be fair, the children love it and so this year and for years to come there will be a Christmas tree at the Urukundo Learning Center. The last week in November, the tree stood tall and beautiful in the lawn in front of the school office. Bear with me, please, as I adapt to the change.
Our students joined in the work and the fun. The tree comes with needle protectors, which must be removed and then you must separate the branches. This was a new experience for our students.
Watching the tree going up from the steps to second-level classrooms.
Hanging bulbs with care.
Baby class visited the tree.
More decorations were needed. How will the tree weather the first storm? I hope well.
The first storm hit and the tree still stands. Yay!!!
We are hoping the community can see and enjoy the lights on the tree in the evenings during December.
Tree in my residence
These ornaments would not survive a rainstorm, so they can't be shared with the school tree.
The tradition is carried over from my home in Pennsylvania, USA. The last week in November, the Christmas tree goes up and is decorated. My tree is now ready for viewing.
Talking to the students about the Christmas tree
Outdoor lesson
Teacher Slyvie shared the history of the Christmas tree.