Page 86 - Unforgettable Memories in Life_Neat
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84 The Unforgettable Moments in Life
Jepta
By Jacobi Mason
The holiday that really stands out in the Marshallese culture is Christmas. How we celebrate
Christmas is a lot more unique than how other cultures and religions celebrate Christmas. Our unique way
to celebrate includes going to one of our family’s mates’ houses and then coming together as a family and
a culture.
We bring all the presents from each part of the family to their house and wait for our other family
members to come. Once everyone is in the house, we start with a prayer about how God brought us all
together as a family. When we're done with our prayer, there is a parent that goes to the presents and calls
out one of the kids' names. If their name is called, they would have to dance for their presents. Kids don’t
get their presents unless they dance for them.
When we dance, we all get up one by one and freestyle until the music stops. Once all the
presents are gone, they start to pass out food. Our main meals are sushi, rice, chicken, ham, and hot dogs.
Afterward, we have a little family gathering, smiling with full stomachs and happy hearts.
