Guyana, have a merry, peaceful Christmas
Kaieteur News – If there is a belief in the divine mysteries of the Virgin Birth that is a good thing. And if there are other beliefs that conflict with Jesus and Christmas and everything that they both have come to represent, then those are respected in a spirit of goodwill. This is what this birth, this man, and this season of more than a day together have come into being in the particular mystery that captures this time of year.
It is always comforting to observe first hand the joys of Christmas in Guyana, with its many local traditions, the festival in the air, the way our Guyanese brothers and sisters dig deep to prepare and give their best for Christmas. Attempts to do things just that, with good brilliance and joy, in colors and candles and lights that brighten the eye and the heart. The exotic dishes prepared and the exhilarating cleaning, where somehow the money is found and pressed and put to work to brighten the home, day and break. It is fascinating that many Guyanese, who struggle throughout the year, put aside and ‘save up’ and find some extra things to do time and all the hard work is satisfying and memorable.
Certainly, we have our religious festivals that are greeted with varying degrees of solemnity, our local ones that have meaning to our people only and are steeped in the rich tapestry of our histories, our national ones celebrate them according to the temper of the times. . But no matter how we argue (or deny it), there is none that has a texture like Christmas in Guyana. The others may come close, but they cannot compete with Christmas precedence or challenge Christmas supremacy. In our genes that encourage celebration, that month-long fever filled with fellowship, good cheer and fine fellowship.
Whether we want to admit it or not, there is an ongoing battle on two fronts, maybe more. The one that is still alive and scared, is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put things damper, through some tight restrictions. We warn our fellow citizens: be sensible, don’t break, don’t throw caution to the winds. More than one batter could follow; don’t be the unlucky one in the wrong places at the wrong times doing the wrong things. Those can ruin more than Christmas, because the reach goes far beyond. The word again: this Christmas, hear and listen! Be careful. The second blight is that that long stormy national fight of ours, which began before the year began, has left a void and bitterness, as well as a deep and rare resentment that hides hostility.
Both of these hang over the national head as the heaviest hammers. We must be eager to dedicate the interest and energy to lift ourselves up and rise beyond what weakens the special atmosphere of the Christmas Season, which makes enemies enemies, villagers and urban dwellers. Despite the pressures that burden us and constantly remind us of what happened and where we are, we would do well to grow beyond our challenges, disappointments, and great uncertainty of how Guyana should have been so measured against what it is now.
We must be like those who still believe in the Guyanese Dream, the Guyanese Spirit, and the flourishing successes that may also belong to Guyana, but only if we approach matters the right way, as they are built on the right visions, motivations and objectives. Despite our many question marks, existential threats, our people in the distant Diaspora are still hoarding scarce time, still retaining scarce funds, to come here and share with whatever family and friends they have left. And when they have none of those dwindling crew, they continue to be captivated by the magical allure of home and come at Christmas.
For those who live here, for those who come from afar, such as the three wise men of lore and scriptural myth, we say good-bye to our brothers and sisters. Good to have those here. For everyone: A good and grand Christmas. Stay tuned, be safe, Guyana.