Mennonites in Belize

   Photograph by Jake Michaels/New York Times   Did you know that Old Colony Mennonites (at least here in Belize) teach their children about Santa Claus bringing gifts on the night of the 24th? Surprised? I was too.    Rather than hanging up stockings, however, the little ones place bowls on the table on the evening of the 24th and eagerly wait for morning to see what Santa and his reindeer left for them. The 25th is a day of gathering at the grandparents home to eat a meal and open gifts. While young children receive toys, engaged couples compete with each other in the amount of gifts they buy. Usually the gift is something that the couple will use in their future home.   Another surprise is that married grandchildren cannot attend the gathering at the grandparents' house. They must gather at their respective parent's home instead. So if your oldest son recently got married, you must begin to hold the Christmas gathering in your own house now. Photograph b...

     This has been an interesting observation for me, watching how the millennial (Gen Y) and the Z Generation Mennonites are seemingly turning the tide in the way they step outside and away from centuries of ruts and traditions. This does not necessarily mean they are leaving their principles and culture, they are simply redefining it. Being a millennial myself, I can relate to that. For example, back when I was 6 years old, my mother tried hard to dress us according to the way our grandfather dressed. Ankle length dress pants, button-down shirt tucked into our pants, hair oiled and parted on the side. As we grew older we began using cargo shorts, sneakers, and casual shirts. We wanted nothing to do with the old-fashioned dress code.    Well, the millennial and Z generation among the Mennonites is also rejecting many of the old-school ways. Some of it of course has to do with the fact that modern technology has invaded nearly every corner of their lives. Nowher...