Families adapt to celebrate Christmas during COVID-19

Dec 24, 2020 Features / Columnists, News

---

By Rehanna Ramsay

Kaieteur News – This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has been universally hard on people. Many plans had to be cancelled or postponed due to the stay home and social distancing orders. The pandemic has been especially difficult for persons during the holidays. So this season, Kaieteur News has opted to share how some Guyanese at home and abroad are spending Christmas during these unprecedented times.

Sheeneza David, Guyanese-based in Brooklyn, NY
For us, adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing rules has unquestionably affected our family Christmas celebrations. We usually celebrate the holiday season amongst our large extended family, but since most of our family members live far away and there are restrictions for travel, we are forced to take precautions.
So this year we’re celebrating within our little family of three, it’s strikingly different from what we’re used to, but it’s no less important because now we’re even more appreciative that we’re all healthy and happy even if we’re apart.

 

Shanya Taylor, Guyanese-based in Maryland, USA
“For my husband Don and our baby Bentley Taylor, we aren’t really doing anything because everything is shut down. So we will just be home, I have my brothers and my aunt here. So we’re gonna open presents. And eat! And just spend time together.”

 

 

Dimple Willabus, Guyanese-based in Brooklyn
“As a Guyanese living in Brooklyn, we brought our traditions and customs of celebrating the Christmas season with us. We do all the usual things like baking cakes, making ginger beer and sorrel, baking bread and eating pepper pot.
My husband and I try our best to preserve our rich Guyanese heritage by sharing stories about our childhood. Due to COVID-19, New Yorkers are forced to stay at home for the most part. This Christmas while it would be customary to visit relatives and take presents, we will spend that time at home.
COVID-19 has definitely affected all aspects of our lives but the most important thing is to focus on the positive. We are still here and while we have all experienced some form of loss, it’s imperative to keep looking ahead!”

 

Ali Williams—Georgetown, Guyana
“Christmas for me is the most wonderful time of the year, but in a global pandemic, my family and I have made some adjustments. As it stands with restrictions on church services, I will not attend Christmas Mass this year with my sons. We will celebrate the birth of the Lord and Saviour at home.
For many years, my family gathers on Christmas morning at my sister’s home for breakfast, it is a joyful time. I will not get to celebrate Christmas with my extended family this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I will spend it with my sons Giovanni and Jonathan to reduce our risk of contracting COVID-19. I haven’t even invited friends over to celebrate Christmas holidays with us this year.
Financially I’m spending mindfully. As an entrepreneur and single mom I’m making sure my bills are updated, the gift buying is on a budget. I’m saving for the uncertain days ahead not knowing when COVID-19 pandemic will end.
It is important to note that Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of our faith. It’s also a time to celebrate God’s love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. So no matter how we celebrate we must remember the true meaning.”

 

Walter Narine – Providence, East Bank Demerara
“Christmas holidays at the Narine’s are filled with celebrations with family and friends who have, like us, worked hard throughout the year…some travel from various countries to celebrate Christmas at home.
However, COVID-19 will definitely affect the celebrations this year for many reasons….we cannot go and shop like we are accustomed to with the entire family for curtains, Christmas tree, gifts, etc. Our friends from overseas will not be here this year to celebrate with us. Even visits to our friends locally is restricted, however there is a positive in this pandemic, it creates the opportunity for more family time and activities at home. Cooking, dancing, singing carols, we will be rocking in the next year together.”

Asha Alli – Annandale, East Coast Demerara“For me, the holidays have always been about family and spending time together. This year due to COVID-19 a lot of the social gatherings that we normally did annually in the past, has been limited.
So, we will be cherishing this time by spending it together with my mom and indulging in a Guyanese Christmas complete with cooking on the fireside and enjoying the dishes true to Christmas in Guyana. Christmas is a time for family, sharing and showing love and appreciation. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a special thank you to everyone that has supported me throughout the year.
COVID-19 basically held our family back from a lot of things, like going out to restaurants, but due to that I got to spend more quality together with my kids at home.”

 

---

---