The year 2021 is gradually coming to an end. The little ones are waiting for Christmas surprises with excitement in their hearts, and the big ones are enjoying a cosy gathering together to remember heartily family moments with light in their hearts, and to wish each other harmony and love.
But there are many foreigners who have come to Latvia to ask for international protection, and for whom this will be the first Christmas, the first gingerbread and the first time, when they see a decorated Christmas tree. Therefore, in the evening of December 15, persons under international protection from Belarus and Afghanistan, as well as representatives of the local community met in the premises of the Society “Shelter “Safe House”” to experience themselves one of the most important Latvian holidays – Christmas and its traditions.
During the event, those who were present learned Christmas traditions, the main symbols of the holiday, and the traditional festive table. Together with the volunteer assistants, everyone had the opportunity to cook their own special gingerbread, which, after baking, was beautifully decorated with coloured icing, and to taste it for the first time. The persons present acknowledge that it was the first time they saw a decorated tree with ornaments and lamps, since Christmas was not celebrated in Afghanistan, but they were happy about this leisurely evening, enjoying delicious snacks, Christmas songs, the scent of gingerbread and joint creative activities. “Now we will call Latvia our home, so it is very important to learn and understand culture and traditions”.
Support Actions for Persons Under International Protection III project is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and is co-financed by the European Union. Grant agreement No. PMIF/9/2020/3/02/