THE Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, part and parcel of the cultural landscape of every ethnic group and among every religion in our nation, is being celebrated with much joy amongst New York (NY)-based Guyanese as well. It has been a wonderful Christmas season. And although we were blanketed by heavy snow, NY Guyanese look forward to closing the Old Year and ring in the New Year.  In the neighbourhoods where Guyanese live in New York, everyone is in the spirit of the season although so many have lost their jobs and homes.  People can’t wait to kick out the old year and welcome in the new one hoping it will be productive with good cheers. Looking around the neighbourhoods where Guyanese live, the holiday feeling is blowing all around with magnificent decorations, dazzling lights, appropriate music, and bustling stores.  Homes, landscaped yards, streets, offices and stores have been beautifully decorated providing a magnificent backdrop to usher in the New Year holiday season.  Family members took turns hosting extravagant meals and appear bustling planning and catering for their guests last weekend and similar events are planned for this weekend.  Loud West Indian (chutney and Bollywood) music was heard everywhere.
There is a plethora of reasons (besides marking the end of one year and the beginning of another) for celebrating the New Year holidays. It was good for business especially in this slow economy in Guyanese commercial areas and hopefully it will provide a spurt in growth. The seasonal celebrations have brought family members, neighbours and friends closer together.  It has brought an end to bitter quarrels, and promote a new beginning among once former enemies. The celebrations also help to foster closer relationships with people from other groups, especially in diverse communities where Guyanese are settled in America.  People live better when they partake in each other’s cultural activities understanding and showing appreciation for each other’s presence. This cultural diffusion is an important facet of better inter-group relations. Hailing from multicultural Guyana, Guyanese show their appreciation of the cultures of other groups.  And in inviting their non-Indian neighbours and friends to their homes, they show them how they celebrate Christmas in their own way.
They gave a Guyanese flavour to the celebration. Guyanese have long been accustomed to celebrating the year end season in their secular and religious ways at home and they do so now in America. They should feel proud to hold on to their wonderful customs and traditions (and their cuisine and drinks) which are gradually becoming mainstream in American lifestyle.
Having had a wonderful Christmas and being blanketed by snow, the New Year festivities in NY include old year’s parties.  Several clubs and restaurants in West Indian neighbourhoods plan an old year night fete to welcome in 2011 with prominent artistes scheduled to entertain patrons. Families also plan to host get togethers for the occasion staying up till midnight Friday for the ball to fall at Times Square. And families and friends plan to entertain each other through Sunday.
As the year has ended, Guyanese should think about the season and the New Year in terms of uplifting our lives spirituality showing compassion and respect towards others. They should look to improving the well being of not only their own families but of others around us as well, especially those who are not as fortunate to have a good meal. We must care for others as we care for ourselves.  It is hoped that those who lost jobs and loved ones would find solace and comfort in the season closing out the year.
Happy New Year!