Old Colony Mennonites: Christmas & New Year

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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 by Jake Michaels/New York Times

  Christmas meals are not necessarily traditional, with some opting for the Belizean dish of chicken barbecue with flour tortillas or tamales and soft drinks; others make borscht,a Mennonite soup composed of mixed vegetables and meat. Later in the day, alcoholic drinks, usually beer smuggled over from Mexico, are passed around and enjoyed as an extra touch of celebration.
  On New Year's day, another smaller family gathering is held and the traditional sauerkraut is made, which is a thick soup from cabbage and pork sausage. I've tried the soup but what I like best is the New Year's cookies, which do not quite resemble cookies but are nevertheless delicious. They are little round balls of dough with raisins inside then fried similar to doughnuts. After frying they are coated with chocolate syrup or fine icing powder. Mouthwatering to be sure, especially when they're hot and fresh.



  Old Colony Mennonites also observe the 6th of January as a holy day, the day of the Magi, or the Day of the Three Kings. It is one of the quietest days in their community with a special church service held in the morning and no work and not much socializing.
  Well, if you live in a community of Old Colony "Russian" Mennonites, you'll not run out of surprises anytime soon. It certainly was a surprise, more of a shock really, to discover that there is a branch of conservative and traditional Mennonites where Santa Claus is propagated and beer is considered part of a Christmas gathering.





                                                 A. Mendoza
  

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