Ethiopian Christmas (Genna or Ledet)

Yesterday, January 7th, was Ethiopian Christmas. We celebrated with two other families who have also recently adopted from Ethiopia. Kate and Levi (twin children of Matt and Amy) were at the Care Center the same time as Alex and we were in Ethiopia the same time as Matt and Amy. Silas (four months old) was brought to the US just two weeks ago by his parents, Tiffany and Dave. We had a really great time catching up and watching the kids play. I also tried my hand at Ethiopian cooking. Edible, but I'd be really nervous serving it to any one who really knows Ethiopian food well!

Ethiopians celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, with very little western secularization. After a church service there is a meal and people also play a game called Genna, which is kind of like field hockey. The day has come to be know as "Genna" after this game or it is also called "Ledet" which means birth. In Ethiopia, the biggest celebration of the year is Timket which is the celebration of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. This takes place on January 19th.