Now Bring Us Some Figgie Pudding...

Christmas was not celebrated here during the Soviet years. Believers would go to the Orthodox churches on January 7, but parties and present-giving took place on New Year’s Day. In the past 10 years, churches have reclaimed Christmas. The idea of celebrating with joy and making it a time for friends is very attractive to students.

In Chisinau about 25 students gathered on the 24th and went caroling through several of the student dorms. They were well received, although the dorm administrators were a little confused at first. Later, the students celebrated Christmas together at our office.
In Balti, 33 students gathered at their office for a Christmas party with games, video clips, songs, and other activities. Many who came were there for the first time and the team in Balti are looking forward to following up with them once classes begin again in the New Year.