In 2010, I celebrated Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Nairobi, far from my hometown of Nowy Sącz, Poland. Despite the distance, the celebrations were heartwarming and memorable, thanks to a wonderful group of friends from diverse backgrounds—Kenya, the UK, Sudan, Canada, Bonaire, Ireland, and beyond. Brought together by our shared work in humanitarian efforts with AAH, Oxfam, and UN agencies, we created a multicultural celebration that blended traditions from our respective countries into something truly special. A Multicultural Christmas For Christmas Eve, everyone contributed something from their own culture. My contribution from Poland included preparing barszcz (beetroot soup), a traditional Polish dish often served as part of the festive meal, and sharing the tradition of opłatek. • Opłatek: This thin, unleavened wafer, similar to communion bread, is an integral part of Polish Christmas Eve celebrations. Each person breaks a piece of the wafer and exchanges wishes of health, happiness, and prosperity with others. It’s a deeply meaningful gesture that symbolises unity, forgiveness, and good fortune for the coming year. Sharing opłatek with friends in Nairobi was a touching way to bring a piece of Polish tradition to our gathering. In addition to this shared gathering, I was deeply honoured to be invited by my former colleague Carol to spend Christmas Day with her Kenyan family. Although not captured in photos, this experience remains one of the most cherished memories of that holiday season. It was wonderful to enjoy Kenyan Christmas dishes such as: • Nyama Choma (Grilled Meat): Juicy, flavourful cuts of meat, typically goat or beef, grilled to perfection and shared as a centrepiece of the meal. • Pilau Rice: Fragrant and spiced, this rice dish blended perfectly with the meats and other sides. • Chapati: Soft, layered flatbreads that were perfect for scooping up stews and sauces. • Kachumbari: A refreshing salad of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro that added a zesty complement to the hearty dishes. The warmth and hospitality of Carol’s family made the day incredibly special. Kenyan Christmas customs, with their emphasis on togetherness, sharing, and welcoming others into the home, left a lasting impression on me. It was a privilege to be part of such a festive and inclusive celebration. New Year’s Celebrations Our New Year’s Eve party was vibrant and full of joy. Together, we danced, toasted, and shared stories as we said goodbye to 2010 and welcomed 2011 with excitement and hope. The multicultural nature of our gathering made the celebration even more meaningful, highlighting the friendships that cross borders and cultures. On New Year’s Day, we headed to Karen, a peaceful suburb of Nairobi, to visit the Karen Blixen Museum, located in the historic home of the renowned author of Out of Africa. The visit offered a serene and reflective start to the new year, combining history, natural beauty, and friendship. It was a reminder of the rich cultural and historical depth of the place we were lucky enough to call home, even temporarily. Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Nairobi in 2010 was a remarkable experience, blending traditions from across the world and highlighting the unique connections formed through shared experiences in humanitarian work. Sharing barszcz and opłatek, learning about Kenyan traditions, and enjoying delicious local dishes made the season truly special. The celebrations were a powerful reminder of the beauty of diversity, the importance of connection, and the joy of embracing and sharing traditions. Starting 2011 surrounded by laughter, friendship, and goodwill was a perfect beginning to a new year full of promise.