“Gateway to Africa Tree”
Every year the university at which I teach hosts an elaborate “themed” Christmas party. Faculty, staff, and administrators dress according to theme, compete for prizes in some cases (like the ugliest sweater contest one year and the talent competition another year). Photo booths, craft stations, excellent music, door prizes, food, and “the envelope” that reveals our Christmas bonus are “staples” of the event. This year there was even a massage station and a cash bonus in addition to our regular bonus!
The team that coordinates the event always does an extraordinary job transforming the university’s skating rink into an amazing reflection of the theme, but this year’s theme, “Gateway to Africa” ousted my former favorite, “New York, New York.” I was thoroughly thrilled when I entered the party yesterday because I love African art and textiles.
Take a look at what I managed to capture [click an image for a closer look]:
The tree was decorated with African flags, fabric, masks, and ornaments in the shape of the continent:
The displays featured African clothing, art, baskets, and other items.
Everything was beautiful!
For faculty, the party marks the beginning of the holiday break. We submit grades on Monday, party Tuesday, and then recuperate from Fall Semester and rest up for January.
And so winter vacation begins…
Pics and Posts 
so happy for you. sounds lovely. happy family time to you
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Right back at you, Christine!
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This is wonderful. I love African art and clothing 🙂
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Thank you! I hope the post brought some cheer and light!
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So colorful, I love it! African art always brings sun… Thanks for sharing, Shandra. ❤
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Thanks, Louise! I agree. African art brings the sun!
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I’m loving this Chandra, so festive!!! The mask ornament top right really speaks to me (maybe a past life thing?). Adore all the happy colors, and would love 1 of those tunics too. And the colorful basket. Oh heck, I’d love to get one of everything!
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Haha! Me too! It was a good thing they were just for display. I would have left penniless. I did meet someone at the party who sells African attire though.
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I am impressed, Chandra! Being in Kenia right now I always forget, that we have adventseason, because there is just nothing reminding me of it except jingle bells here and there and a great jazz variation of joy to the world in the bus to work in the morning, but no decoration at all…
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Awww…I’m sorry you’re missing all the colorful decorations. I hope to go out this week and capture more Christmas (decoration) joy. I’ll post here so you can enjoy it vicariously, at least.
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Oh thanks for sharing with us Chandra. What beautiful creations! love the decorations, fabrics, everything. I love baskets, and African creations are among my favorites. Stunning work 😉 On my trip to San Diego, my friend gave me my Christmas gifts early. And my new treasure is a shallow bowl from Uganda. It is lovely shades of blue and natural. Enjoy Chandra 😉
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Thanks for dropping in and appreciating the art and decor, Sheila! Let’s see the bowl! 🙂
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Lovely African decorations! I’ve never seen something like that before. Really beautiful!
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They were! I’m glad I was able to capture them. Revisiting the photos makes me smile, Thank you for dropping by. Happy New Year!
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