This Month’s Feature

Christmas in Tanzania is always a busy time with your family – and I mean your entire extended family. It is a very rare occasion if you spend it with your parents and siblings only - unless you live abroad. It Tanzania, a majority of the people usually travel to their hometown/village to be with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins around for Christmas. Chances are you probably only see some these relatives a couple of times a year and don't feel you have a lot in common with them.

My suggestion, carry some good books, music and a portable DVD player, so you wont get bored if you decide to lock yourself in your room away from all the relatives.

Spending time with your boyfriend/girlfriend over Christmas

When you are in a serious relationship, the natural thing one would want to do is to spend Christmas (or any other holiday for that matter) with their partner. However, generally at Christmas your family will expect you to be home and spend the holiday with them. Sometimes it can be hard to balance the two.

Depending on how traditional or non-traditional your family is, then taking your partner to your home to spend Christmas with the family is one option. If your traditional parents will not accept this option, then you may be able to create a special time to see your girlfriend/boyfriend before or after the Christmas holidays. If your family is going away for Christmas, you may want to do something special a few days before or after you go away. There is no reason why you can't exchange presents then and make it just as special as Christmas Day.

Buying presents

When you care about someone it is not unusual to want to buy them something special at Christmas. Sometimes you may feel pressured to buy them something that is outside your price range simply to impress them. Try to remember that presents don't represent what you feel for someone and more importantly an expensive present won’t make someone like you more. The best thing to do is to stick to what you can afford. If money is tight, then be creative and think of something romantic to do for your girlfriend/boyfriend such as taking them on a picnic on the beach.