~07.01.2024~
Teodora's pov:
*Today is 7. January. The morning of Christmas Day brought a serene and festive atmosphere to our home. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the living room, where the anticipation of the day ahead lingered in the air. As the first rays of sunlight painted the sky, my family and I prepared for the church service, an integral part of our Christmas tradition*
My Mom: (smiling) Hristos se rodi! - Christ is born!
Family: Vaistinu se rodi! - Indeed, He is born!
*We headed to the local church, joining fellow parishioners in the joyous celebration of Christmas. The air resonated with hymns and prayers, creating a spiritual connection that heightened the sense of unity among the community.*
---Skip time---
*After the church service, we returned home, where the aroma of festive dishes welcomed us. The table was adorned with a variety of traditional Serbian Christmas delicacies, reflecting the rich culinary heritage passed down through generations.*
Philip: (excited) Can we go now to throw the nuts to the coin now?
My Dad: (laughing) Patience, my boy. Let's enjoy the meal first.
*As my family sat down for Christmas lunch, we shared laughter, stories, and expressions of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us. The festive ambiance filled our hearts with warmth and joy.*
---Skip time---
*Once the meal concluded, we gathered in the village square for the cherished coin and nuts tradition. A nail stood firmly in the ground, adorned with a shiny coin.*
Kate: (smiling) Now, let the games begin!
*Of course, here with us are my friends and their family! *
*We formed a line, each of us ready to take their shot at the coin. The competition was spirited, with laughter and cheers accompanying each attempt. The clinking sound of nuts hitting the ground added a playful rhythm to the tradition.*
Ana: (calling out) On three... One, two, three!
*Nuts soared through the air, aiming for the precarious balance of the coin on the nail. Each successful hit brought joy and a chance to claim the coin as their own.*
Me: (grinning) Looks like Andrea is the sharpshooter this year!
*Andrea proudly placed the coin on the nail, and the frenzy of collecting nuts ensued. Laughter echoed as we scrambled to gather as many nuts as possible.*
*The tradition game continued, a blend of competition and camaraderie that added a special touch to our Christmas celebration. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on our gathering, we felt the true essence of togetherness and shared joy.*
*With the coin and nuts tradition concluded, we returned home, bringing the festivities to a close. The night would continue with storytelling, carols, and the warmth of familial bonds—a perfect ending to a day filled with cherished traditions.*
---Skip time---
*As the day draws to a close, I received an unexpected call, guess who it is!*
--On the cal:--
Me: (smiling) Vel, god kveld Marty. -Well, good evening Marty.
Martinus: (smiling) Good evening Teddy, (with a little difficulty in pronunciation) Hristos se rodi. - Christ is born.
Me: (surprised and smiling from ear to ear) Indeed, He is born.
Martinus: Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Me: Thank you very much, thank you for remembering.
Martinus: (smiling) How can I forget about this beautiful day. I just wanted to send my best wishes and see how your Christmas Day went.
Me: (grateful) It was wonderful. Family, traditions, and lots of joy.
Martinus: (enthusiastic) That sounds amazing. I'm glad to hear it.
Me: How did you spend this day?
Martinus: (thoughtful) Well, we don't celebrate Christmas today, but we still have a cozy family day.
Me: I know that you don't celebrate today, you celebrated it.
Martinus: Hahaha
Me: And Family time is always special.Martinus: Absolutely. By the way, I watched your Christmas live on YouTube. You guys were amazing!
Me: (blushing) Thank you! We're thrilled you tuned in.
Martinus: Your performance brought back some great memories from our time together.
Me: (nostalgic) Those were unforgettable moments.
Martinus: Indeed. Anyway, I won't keep you. Enjoy the rest of your Christmas Day.
Me: You too enjoy with your family, Marty. Thanks for the call.
Martinus: Anytime. Good night!
Me: God natt! - Good night!
*When the conversation ended, I felt a mixture of emotions. I was happy that Martinus didn't forget about my Christmas and I was happy that I had a great day. The unexpected call from Martinus added an extra layer of magic to an already special Christmas Day.*
YOU ARE READING
When North meet South
Fiksi PenggemarTeodora, a passionate folklorist from Serbia, has the opportunity to participate in an international folklore festival in Norway. Marcus and Martinus, world famous singers, happen to attend the festival as special guests, where they perform their hi...
