We were given a copy of The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson (inspired by the original tales of Beatrix Potter.)

I enjoyed reading the story to my son particularly because it was beautifully illustrated by Eleanor Taylor (one of the facilitators at the Iona retreat conference I attended in October.) But I couldn’t help thinking about how different Christmas is in my country compared to most of the books we read.

I was reminded of a song from childhood, Christmas in Zimbabwe, adapted from John Edmond’s carol. Here are some of the lyrics

It’s Christmas in Zimbabwe
And there’s no mistletoe
No holly and no reindeer
No Robin in the snow

But bless our red poinsettia
And bright Flamboyant too
And gentle-eyed impala

To see dear Santa through 

It’s Christmas in Zimbabwe
And Christmas beetles sing
Through the towns and country
Oh hear their carols ring

This song reminds me about how it is rare to find children’s books in which African children can see themselves reflected. I want to change that. Maybe I’ll even write an African children’s picture book about Christmas. But until then, Merry Christmas from Zimbabwe