Guyanese can look forward to a bigger and better

Dec 29, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

Thomas Tusser (1520-1580) coined “Christmas comes but once per year,” and Guyanese added, “so everyone must have their share.”

In Guyana, it’s normal to hear someone saying, “Every day is not Christmas.” No need to stretch the imagination for its interpretation. So, Christmas ‘come and gone,’ and we get to celebrate Boxing Day too, a tradition inherited from the British. A four-day holiday is always welcoming and does not happen too often, Easter being the exception. Guyanese typically would go all out to plan, prepare and participate in this festive season which is observed by all in Guyana, regardless of religious beliefs. It’s a time to ‘shop till you drop,’ so that you can provide for this particular occasion with a special fervor for your famous taste and favored touch. Yes, this event has been optimally commercialized to ensure that the stores, shops, markets and vendors do brisk business and the national community is consumed with a buying frenzy. Those who are not careful may experience some uncomfortable days until the next pay day. When it’s all over, you may wonder, was it worth it?

In the Diaspora, a famous tune is, “there’s no place like home for the holidays.” Travelling thousands of miles whether by flying or driving, is not surprising for those who want to be home for the holidays. If it’s not the cold, it’s the loneliness that may create a sense of loss for longing and belonging. Some miss the good times, the family and friends.

The Guyanese cammaraderie is exceptional and the spirit of celebration is not the same overseas. The many socializing days of get-together, catching-up and parties add a sense of homely coziness which can only be realized in a Guyanese environment. The time for ‘midnight-mass’ is also emotionally anticipated and a hair-raising effect to indulge in the spiritual aspect of Christmas. No wonder many Guyanese choose to come home and spend this time of the year with families, relatives and friends.

In Guyana, the significance of Christmas, has different shades of meaning and is looked at through many lenses. The Christmas Story has its principally profound point even though all may not agree with the birth and date. It’s heartening to know that the message of peace, joy and happiness is revered to set the tone of forgetting and forgiving. Making up, embracing, shaking hands and moving on is a matured responsibility. Preaching love lays the foundation for mutual respect and having regards for compassion, empathy and reaching out. Caring, giving and sharing recognize the need for civility and practicing generosity over greed and selfishness. Selfless service demonstrates one’s humanity and kindness and shows the way for hope.

These moral lessons associated with Christmas may be overlooked or lacked by some and even ignored. The concentration may be targeted on the lighter side and some may be engrossed in its glossiness. The visiting, partying, eating and drinking do saturate a bigger portion of this period. Buying new clothes, getting added wares, appliances and painting the house is an expected routine. There is a craze for decorations and fairy lights and a Christmas tree for the house is a common relic. Not forgetting, buying toys for the children is a must and exchanging gifts is not surprising. This generosity is appreciated.

A well-stocked kitchen with groceries, meat, vegetables and fruits allays the fear of running short for a well catered menu with all the desired dishes. This secondary meaning perhaps over shadows the primary objective of the celebration. But this is how Guyanese have been ordained as a custom and tradition. A ‘cardinal sin’ is avoided and so Guyanese ensure that black cake and ginger beer form an integral part of the menu.

The PPP/C Government and President Ali lived up to expectations and Guyanese were not left ‘out in the cold,’ or disappointed. President Ali smothered the thought of invasion and provided peace and stability for Guyana to enjoy this festive season. The fear of black-out was not entertained because of reliable and adequate generators being procured by the Government. Security was beefed up and the sight of extra policing was reassuring.

The timely distribution by the Government for Christmas bonuses, salary increases and retroactive payments all helped to finance and guarantee that Guyanese have a bigger spending power for the season. The PPP/C Government did not ‘let-down’ Guyanese and yes, the pensioners and senior citizens were taken care of too. Every little bit counts and helps and it wasn’t a case of “something better than nothing.”

Many were lucky to have received free new homes for the holidays, gifts from the Government. The President, First Lady, Prime Minister and other Ministries were busy distributing hampers and gifts to thousands including men, women and in particular, children. President Ali and the First Lady showed what the real spirit of Christmas mean by sharing and giving their time and effort on Christmas morning. President Ali was busy spending quality time at the Dharam Shala and engaging with taking care of the elderly.

First Lady Arya Ali as usual, was present to celebrate the birth of ‘Christmas babies.’ These activities and commitments simply reflect the concerns of a caring Government who put people first and prioritize the interest of Guyanese welfare. With the anticipation of a lucrative 2024 Budget, Guyanese can look forward to a bigger and better year from a government who will always spread the real message and meaning of Christmas, throughout the year.

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

Boxing Day, business, Christmas, Guyanese, Jai Lall.

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