In search of Christmas normalcy during a pandemic

Dec 24, 2020 Features / Columnists, News

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By Mikaila Prince

Kaieteur News – It is needless to say that in Guyana and all across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically disrupted the lives of millions. But during this Christmas season, and particularly in Guyana, many are in search of normalcy and a sense of calmness. And it is at this juncture where Guyanese turn to the sweet Christmas traditions of their homeland.

Let the celebrations begin!
The proverbial Christmas carpet is rolled out early. In mid-October, radios, musical carts, and all manner of musical enthusiasts begin playing Christmas carols—with Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ as the season’s anthem. This musical sensation is one of our early indications and traditions of Christmas pulling up on the shores of the Land of Many Waters.
Take a walk through Main Street in the nation’s capital city and be greeted by the spectacularly-lit fairy lights, all wrapped around the limbs of the mighty Samaan trees. For me, I’ve always found sweet nostalgia in the magically-gleaming trees of Main Street. It reminds me of my home and family, and I think it’s for this reasoning that I, along with the scores of Guyanese and foreigners, flood to that tropical enchantment. Main Street is one location I’d recommend you visit this holiday, as long as you practice social distancing and remember to mask up!
Hopefully, this year we get to view persons dressed in colourful costumes dancing to the beat of their fellow members’ drums and flutes while holding out hats and small containers for donations. I am always filled with awe when I see tall ‘Mother Sally’ in her flowing dress and the “Mad Cow” that charges at passersby or children and female dancers with large stuffed behinds gyrating. It is a wonderful spectacle for all to witness.

Upturning the house!
Leading up to December, many Guyanese initiate the annual Christmas cleaning. Now, this type is cleaning is different from those performed around the year, as the entire house is “broken apart” for each nook and cranny to be dusted, wiped and re-wiped. This complete overhaul is warranted, say our elders, as it brings prosperity with the ushering in of the New Year.
Most households upturn and rearrange their furniture, cover them down with sheets and plastics, and are moved to a corner of the house until we’re ready to replace them.
Funny though, if you enter the home of a Guyanese during the Christmas season, you will realize two things; you hardly have a proper place to sit and the environment is in complete chaos. One should also prepare themselves to be overwhelmed and overpowered by dust and the smell of fresh paint.
With the cosmetically-altered changes in the home comes along the new furniture and appliances. Some housewives wait until this season to purchase new kitchen appliances, sofas, carpets, curtains, and dishes and cutlery. Those who could not have afforded to purchase the items cash, opened hire purchase accounts just to steal the show. Certainly, a visit to any Courts or Lucky Dollar branch in Guyana would confirm this.
Even with the COVID-19 restrictions and strict social distancing protocols, many Guyanese still prefer to do the bulk of the shopping and decorating on Christmas Eve which would usually run into early Christmas morning when housewives/mothers would be busy preparing the lavish breakfast. This is when all the expensive wares from the cabinet would be taken out – the tea cups, saucers, jugs, and plates to name a few. Please smile

“I’ll be home for Christmas” – we think not.
On most Christmas holidays, Guyanese can expect the arrival of overseas-based loved ones who we haven’t seen in months or years. They fly for miles just to be part of our very unique celebrations because they know that no other country is as committed to this holiday and its many traditions as Guyanese. But unfortunately, due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 thereby causing the lockdown of airports, many of us will not be able to embrace the presence of those loved ones. It may be indefinite on when we might get to see them again.
On the flip side, however, Zoom and other media platforms have made provisions for you to virtually chat with those absent loved ones.
Usually, we’re accustomed to the over-pouring of invitations to Christmas concerts, parties, carolling and Christmas tree light ups that make the season an unforgettable one. To these events, Guyanese also wear their best and are always present. However, this year’s engagements and party invitations may be limited due to social distancing regulations.
Food galore and more
A Guyanese Christmas would seem almost meaningless if there weren’t any traditional dishes and treats to consume. The thought of coming home to loaves of freshly-baked bread laid beside a dark, meaty goodness that is Pepperpot is refreshing as it is delicious. Pepperpot, as most know, is an indigenous rich meal made from cassareep and beef or pork which is eaten with rice, cassava bread, or homemade bread.
Let’s not shy away from the mouthwatering garlic pork, a famous meal contributed by the Portuguese to our diverse culture. In this dish, the pork is cut into small pieces and left to marinate for days in vinegar and other herbs and later fried.
And certainly, let us not forget to mention the delightful delicacy that is black cake. There’s always something comforting about a fruit or black cake’s darkly sweet, rum or brandy-tingled aroma. The intoxicating scent can at times be very overpowering; so powerful that you can almost taste it.
While these treats are undeniably appealing, it is important to consider how sugar- packed and fatty they are. With studies showing reduced physical movement due to COVID-19 restrictions, the need to shave off unwanted sugars and fat is imperative. Perhaps, you should try replacing a few of the sugary/fatty treats with dried fruit and nuts.
The celebration is not complete without drinks, and of course, the special beverages to accompany these meals, ginger beer, sorrel, and mauby are always on standby. As it regards to alcohol, Guyanese are known for their overindulgence in it. Moderation in the beverage is challenging, especially when the rums, spirits and wines are stacked by the cases, and temptation lurks. But remember, whereas eating too much can simply ruin your waistline and health, so can excess alcohol.
At small gatherings, dilute alcohol with soda or juices, always eat before you drink, stay hydrated, choose drinks with lower levels of alcohol, or ones that are nonalcoholic. Drink at your own pace. Remember, you are not required to accept every offer of a drink.
Most importantly, we should all try to wear masks whenever possible when indoors with our loved ones, as there is strong evidence to show that masks reduce the spread of COVID-19 from an infected person to others.
When wearing a mask isn’t practical during Christmas dinner, keeping physical distance from members of other households can massively reduce the risk of virus spread. Whether that is sitting at either end of the dining table, on separate sofas, or even in different rooms.
The important thing is that any kind of distance at all between you and your loved ones helps mitigate the risk of spread, with greater distance meaning lower risk.
The big day is finally here!
Christmas Day for some entails attending Church to celebrate the birth of Christ among fellow Christians, and for others, it’s spent opening the presents that have been sitting under the tree and being amongst loved ones.
Despite the hectic festivities in the constrained environment for the season, let us not forget what is most important; from the friendly “Season’s greetings!” to the sharing of meals and opening of presents. Remember when around your loved ones to wash your hands, especially after touching around your mouth and nose. And, importantly, remember to wash your hands before handling food or drink for others, and especially after you’ve coughed or sneezed. Viruses can be transferred from your face to your hands and then to a family member without you even realizing it.
This festive holiday is all about the birth of Christ and sharing; it is about being warm and hospitable to all; it is about being grateful for the year’s blessings, to reflect on those we have lost to COVID-19, as we enjoy our Guyanese Christmas traditions.
Have a merry and safe Christmas, and an even safer New Year!

 

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