Spent a sleepless New Year's Eve and Night with Rwandan-Canadians

Spent a sleepless New Year's Eve and Night with Rwandan-Canadians New Year Celebration 2015 - "Rwandan-style" I arrived at the Rwandan-Canadian New Years Eve's party with my sister-in-law (Alphonsine) and her sister and the sister's two daughters. The all-night celebration was held in a lovely large house in Gloucester, Ontario. New Years Eve 2014 was intended to be a quite relaxing evening. In fact, it was a full night of dancing, eating, talking and then more dancing. I was with a large group of friends and family who were scheduled to head back home New Years Day. Little did we know that we would be awake, bleery-eyed, and still dancing right up until the break of dawn. Just as we finished dinner at midnight we decided to have a toast and have our glass of champagne for New Years cheer. There was music and dancing for both young and old. For the people of Rwanda, being a good dancer is serious business. As I made my way to the house in Gloucester, I joined in with the families who were on their way to celebrate New Years Eve. Once inside I found a seat up front and claimed a spot as the house was filling up fast. The kitchen and living room were connected to rooms on either side each filled with a dancers. The music started and to my surprise traditional Rwandan song music started to play and a group of young dancers came out and lined dance dressed. The elders ensured that their kids knew how to dance. It was a beautiful sight. It went on all night!! One father took turns dancing with each of his daughters. And one woman ensured both her sons made the most of the opportunity to show off their dance moves. Everyone clapped to encourage the young children to venture out on the dance floor. It was heartwarming to see the trust and understanding the kids were displaying for their parents and other elders at the party. I am sure some of the kids did not necessarily want to stay up all night dancing. But they did. "Life is short", several people told me during the "nuit blanche". "That is why we stay up all night on New Year's Eve." This was one new Years celebration that will never be forgotten. I danced, talked and ate till it was time to get back home at 6:00 a.m. So much for sleep!