Carols by Candlelight

Yes, we may be on a desert Island here, but we're not totally uncultured! The Church in AD arranged a braai/barbeque, along with carol singing and candles, on Friday evening.

It was absolutely lovely.

Darrell sadly had to work on Friday, but he managed to get home shortly before dark and we set off for our desert location. Not as scary an endeavour as one would think as we have frequently picknicked and bashed in a nearby dune. When we arrived, fires were lit for the braai, candles and lamps were lighting up the spot, it looked like fairyland. We were amazed to see how many had braved the desert drive - there must have been a couple of hundred people there. We quickly set up our picnic spot and discovered the convenience of being so late (NOT the last, to my surprise) - we didn't have to build our own braai, there were plenty still going for us to choose from. In fact, Darrell had one and was in charge of the chicken, Alex had another and was in charge of the vors. David was in charge of the torch.

I have got the desert catering down to a T these days - meat, rolls and whole fruit - no salads, deserts or fancy stuff. In my experience, the more lavish your spread, the greater your chance of getting sand mixed into it....

During the meal, people came around handing out pamphlets with carols, and little candles in clear plastic cups. The kids eagerly grabbed themselves several each: fire is fun!

Once people had finished eating, the church music leader (does such a person have a title?) started playing and the singing started. Some singers drifted towards the keyboard, others stayed at their picknic blankets, but everyone seemed to join in at various times. At one stage, the keyboard lost it's power (at the start of Away in a Manger), but we all carried on singing, regardless. It sounded lovely, the quiet desert and the sound of a hundred people singing together... Well, lovely until different parts of the rather spread out groups started singing at different speeds and the song become rather confused..

It was a lovely evening, except (yes, really) a little chilly. For once, the jackets and jumpers I had taken along with us were actually needed - normally I get laughed at for taking them and Steph and I are the only ones to use them.

But then again, it is mid winter now.