Life on the Spot! Life and Leisure in Doha, Qatar

We had wanted to spend some more time in bed but we all had to get up early for the 7:30 am Christmas mass at the Parish Center.  Xiane had a pleasant surprise when she got out of the bedroom though, a present from Santa!  Just before we left for church, we allowed her to open her gift.  She was so happy! 

To my surprise there were so many people who attended the mass.  I was thinking there wouldn’t be a lot of church-goers since most of them had either attended the midnight mass on Christmas Eve or would be attending the mass in the evening.  But I was completely wrong.  The parking lot was filled with vehicles of all sorts and the Parish grounds with people of various nationalities.  It was a windy and freezing morning but we were lucky enough to get some seats.  Although we were wearing jackets, it was still hard to get warm under that condition.  But when the mass was over, I felt so thankful to God for having allowed us to attend mass that morning.  It was such a blessing!

After mass we immediately went home since we still had to prepare for lunch.  Xiane had a moment to open some more of her gifts, those coming from her grandparents and aunts.  She was a picture of happiness and joy. 

Then it was off to the kitchen, non-stop!  As we were preparing, he was telling me that this will be the last time we’re cooking for Christmas.  But I know that was just the exhaustion talking.  For when the guests arrived, he was more than happy to do the entertaining.  2 families, Mel and Tito Milo came.  All-in-all it was a happy celebration.  The kids enjoyed playing with the Wii.  The grown ups enjoyed having a chat with each other.  They all enjoyed the food that we prepared: baked macaroni, bbq spareribs, roasted chicken, fried chicken, potato salad and brazo de Mercedes which by the way was made by a good friend of mine.  The brazo was so good, so if anyone is interested just let me know. 

Our guests spent practically spent some good hours with us, when it was time to go, I gave them some baked mac and salad to take home.  When all the guests had left, we went out.  We dropped by Zamzam Pharmacy to give my friend Ate Ochie some food.  We also gave Tian’s barber some.  Their appreciation for that very small gesture means so much, something that money can’t buy.  Then we proceeded to return Tian’s Xbox 360 since it had the TRL (three red lights).  According to him if it has that then it’s defective. 

So that was how we spent Christmas.  Until now we still have a hangover that we wish it’s always a holiday.  But sooner or later, everything will be back to normal- back to work and school.  Nonetheless, there’s still New Year to celebrate and 2 weeks more of rest for me and Xiane, I guess we’ll just have to enjoy it while it lasts.