Georgian Christmas is today!

I have many things to write about, but today is just about Shoba, January 7th, or Georgian Christmas.  What wonderful traditions, and no commercialism here! I came to my training host family in Khashuri, about three hours from my home in Koda, for this special time with my Georgian family. They share their lives, their work, and their culture. And they understand my cartuli language! Such good people!

Last night was church. From 11-5 am!  So glad I told them I already went, on my Christmas! Next, at midnight, those that didn't go to church light candles in their windows, so "Mary and Joseph can find a place to stay. " There were TV pictures of big condo buildings in Tbilisi and everyone had candles burning.

Today we cook, of course.  No gifts, just a quiet day off from work, with good food, as always here.  And now we are watching the Georgian Wheel of Fortune and you should see their "vanna", all dressed up for Christmas, and beautiful like all Georgian women!  And just a quick sideline, did you all hear about the Japanese McDonald's that served a hamburger with teeth in it? It will be interesting to see what US media picks ups on.    And here are some of my new friends, including the peche... Oven... My best friend this winter.  Thank Amanda, Diane, Mariann and Mom for the smart wool and warm things.  I wear them In Koda all the time.

Here we make churchkela - hazelnuts strung and dipped in grape pudding.

Gocha making BBQ!

Nellie checking on the wine production.

just one of our parties over time

the ladies in the family, Mari, Nellie, Tomriko.  Gocha and Tornike are outside cooking BBQ!

Now we eat BBQ, or Swazi , pork BBQ.  I think they make it for me, but I know they all love it too.  They have special mineral sauce to put on it. Secret!  Then kosinaki, a great peanut/honey candy.  I brought canned pumpkin back from US and will make cake later. Now, me darlili var - I am tired from the cognac for lunch! Here are some of the special Christmas dishes from Georgia http://http://www.georgianjournal.ge/georgian-cuisine.htmlwww.georgianjournal.ge/georgian-cuisine.html. 

Now alilo comes through.  The local maumau (priest) in each town goes through the streets of the town with a big oxen cart and  everyone puts in an offering of food or clothes and presents for the poor.  How lovely. And as we waited we play Gerogian Christmas songs on YouTube.  How funny to realize that facebook and youtube are so well used throughout the world.  It is getting smaller and smaller and we can learn so much, if we look.

Later we will go visit relatives here in Khashuri. And eat and drink and visit more.

One last american comment. Although Christmas is on a Wednesday, everyone worked on Tuesday and Thursday. They don't try to "get away" but just enjoy the day with families and friends.

Coming up...  New Years in Georgia, counter culture shock while back in US last month, opportunities for business development in Koda for 2015, and Catholic Church in Georgia!  Soon hope.  Internet remains spotty in Koda!  Happy Christmas and New Years to all.