NEW YORK (NY)-based Guyanese have had a wonderful holiday season. They took in the season with strides having a wonderful time in spite of a declining economy and loss of jobs. The season began on Wednesday before Christmas at the close of school for the holidays for the children. Many businesses also closed that day to give their staff an extended four day weekend.

As in Guyana, Christmas is the most celebrated of all festivals and Guyanese made elaborate preparation to welcome the joyous season especially in neighbourhoods (like Richmond Hill, Jamaica, Cypress Hills, etc.) where they are settled — aptly decorated for the holiday season with trees and other decoration on the outside right next to fluttering Jhandis and the star crescent.

An aura of the season is in the air on Liberty Avenue, the hub of West Indian commercial activities. The stores and the avenue are well decorated comparable to any shopping district in the city during the season. Christmas music at full blast emanate from many of the stores. One can purchase virtually everything related to the holiday on Liberty Ave or Jamaica Ave or Flatbush Ave. The commercial districts have been teeming with shoppers over the last couple weekends and quite busy this weekend. Huge numbers of multi-coloured lights and other paraphernalia are on display in front of stores. These brightly coloured lights, trimmings and other decorations everywhere are reminiscent of shopping districts in Guyana.

The seasonal holiday festival transcends religions. Virtually everyone partakes in the seasonal spirit. Even Hindus and Muslims partake in the festivities in New York as they do in Guyana. Hindus and Muslims may not attend church mass but they prepared that special Christmas meal and holiday beverages and joined in the “Christmas spirit” with others. Traditional music (local and Indian songs, calypso, Hindi movie and golden oldies from yesteryear) were blasted throughout West Indians neighbourhoods. Families took turns hosting dinners for one another.

The season in NY was one of expectancy among the large Guyanese population. There were lots of parties and merry making especially by the real estate offices. Zara Realty, Ed Ahmad, and other real estate tycoons treated their staff.

Although they had a terrific time, Christmas in New York was not the same as being in Guyana. People feel a Guyanese Christmas is special and many long for the journey home. People look forward to a Guyana trip with great expectation and there were lots of excitement at the airport. The basket of memories of celebrating the jolly season as a child or even as an adult motivated many to make the trip home. Many consider it a tradition to make the yearly pilgrimage to Guyana. The major airline carriers were sold out.

Overall, it was a peaceful and joyful season. Temples held holiday get-togethers amid concerts. Several of the clubs have planned a New Year celebration for Thursday night for the annual count down.
VISHNU BISRAM