Final Project-Christmas around the world!

Christmas is a holiday celebrated annually marking the birth of Jesus Christ hence the name “Christmas”.

 It is celebrated both religiously and culturally around the world. Originated from the Christian religion, it is usually distinguished on Dec 25^th with exceptions of other cultures.

 In this festive season, the spirit of giving, forgiveness and happiness are some of the values that people try to embody during this holiday. Santa clause otherwise known to some as the fat man in red, reign deers’ and the Christmas tree are the ultimate symbols of the Christmas holiday.

Having family and friends from around the world, my partner Kaitlyn and I were able to learn and share similar traditions that are carried throughout this holiday. From Eastern Africa Kenya to all the way in the U.K, not forgetting Taiwan and China in Asia our family and friends shared with us pics of the Christmas festivities from their current location that you will see on our graphic map.

In most African countries, most families celebrate Christmas holidays by having family reunions to party and have a full on feast.  For those who are Christians, Some will do attend church on the day of Christmas. Gift giving and wrapping is also participated but isn’t as huge compared to America and Europe. ‘Kwanzaa’ is not celebrated in Africa as it is a Black American Holiday.

In China since there are very few Christians, not many celebrate or know what Christmas is. In major cities you will find Christmas Trees, lights and other decorations. But many might not know the meaning or the values of this holiday. Giving apples is a popular tradition on Christmas and Christmas Eve. Stores sell the apples wrapped in different color gift wrappers.

In the U.K Christmas is a huge holiday. Different countries might have one or two slightly different beliefs but all in all it’s the same Theory. In Scotland, On Christmas day, people sometimes make big bonfires and dance around them to the playing of bagpipes. In Ireland, Christmas tends to be more religious than fun with the lighting of candles.

In Latin America, where most people are Catholics there are a lot of church bells ringing to call families to Mass during Christmas Eve.  The Christmas season is usually in the summer time compared to Europe and America where the season is usually winter. In the Middle East Christmas is not common due to the high population who are Muslims. Although the decorations are still put up due to tourism.

Christmas around the world map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=ziiRXcmFxzfw.kg-o0NOutfpM


Santa around the world.
https://www.mystorybook.com/books/6478/

Final project proposal

For our final project Victor Mwangi and I have decided to once again work together, this time focusing on different ways Christmas is celebrated around the world.

We will ask our friends from different parts of the world to send in photographs of their Christmas decorations or celebrations. We will create a slideshow out of these photographs from different areas in the world. (We will attempt to use videolicious for that but depending on the length we may not be able to.)

We will also use an interactive map to show what places celebrate Christmas the most, since Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays it'll be interesting to see the different percentages.

Finally, our project will include a write up with why different cultures celebrate this renown holiday each differently and different ways how they do it.

The Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen- A home away from home.

The Mustard Seed is not only a homely environment but a safe, accepting and a judgment free zone that many locals of St Johnsbury come to every other day for a fresh hot meal. Serving different meals ranging from thanksgiving dishes to shepherd’s pie the quality of the food can be compared to that of a restaurant.

My partner Kaitlyn Manktelow and I got a chance to visit this safe haven that has been running for over 4 years. Located in the middle of the St Johnsbury town in VT, one would never presume that it’s a soup kitchen from the outside look of it. The Mustard Seed is not your regular soup kitchen. Right from when we walked in, one could feel the sense of community and love.

The name “mustard seed” originated from the Bible symbolizing growth and development from a tiny seed just like a plant. Christian missionary Frank Rothe, who’s the founder and still runs the kitchen, decided to open this establishment not having any financial support but just faith hence naming this organization “Mustard Seed”.  Strictly a Christian nonprofit organization, it is involved with the churches around the community.

The Mustard Seed is strictly run by volunteers and well-wishers. Apart from donations and support from the Vermont Food Bank, the soup kitchen is funded by the thrift store that’s right across the street from it. Without any home shelter around the area, the mustard seed is the only thing that’s closest to an accommodation that the homeless can come and get any type of help. Most volunteers like Lenny and Eugene happened to have benefited from mustard seed before they decided to devote their life to it.

Eugene started out with Rothe when he first opened the kitchen and was dealing with drugs and alcohol at the time. Since then he has now sobered up and found his way. With all that he has gone through, he uses his story as a testimony to others dealing with the same issues who have walked through the doors of the mustard seed. When asked he said his role was basically being cheerful. Promoting love, peace and respect to those who come and get a fresh hot meal in the kitchen.

Lenny who is now the supervisor and the head cook says he fell in love with the mustard seed when he chose the soup kitchen to be the place where he would do his community hours. Ever since then he couldn't imagine a better place to serve and give back to the community.

Many like Eugene and Lenny add to what makes the mustard seed a safe haven.