CHRISTMAS has come and gone, and the New Year is already upon us. The year 2012 is new ground for everyone. But how were the holidays? And what new ventures await us all in 2012?  I chatted with a few people around town, and recorded their impressions of the Christmas season and their hopes for the New Year.

CHRISTMAS was okay for 17-year-old Sherryann Joseph.  “First, I want to wish all Guyanese Happy Holidays. Love to my mom, Shondell Clemenson, (and) sister, Ronorta Jackson. Best wishes to all my friends, especially Stacia Darlington and the Darlington family, and all the teachers at New Campbellville Secondary School. On Old Year’s Night, I will be going to church. After church, I will go home. New Year’s Day, I will be going out with my best friend, Lisa Warde, for her birthday. We plan to have a good time.”

A very active 15-year-old, Tiffany Walker will be attending the Popcorn Show. “Popcorn is a must!”  Tiffany declared. This Albouystown resident talked excitedly about her plans for the Christmas/New Year’s period.  “For Popcorn, I will be wearing a very short red pants, black top (and) black-and-red ‘Creative Recreation’ boots. I will crimp my hair and be wearing my new Movado watch. I’ll have $20,000 to spend that night. After Popcorn, it’s Main Street Lime.  Old Year’s Night it’s church, and on New Year’s it’s Kashif and Shanghai.”

“I spent my Christmas holidays with my family,” was how Abigail Giddings explained her holiday activities. “We had plenty of work to finish during the holidays. I went to Courts Christmas Tree light-up; I went to the Popcorn Show and took photos with Beenie Man. I got soaked, but danced in the rain. That night, I really danced a lot. My mom returned from the USA, and everyone was happy. This was my best Christmas in GT ever!
“I also went to the Las Vegas by Hits and Jams. That was the bomb! I enjoyed myself! I got high and had to go home. Old Year’s Night, I will go to church, then go out on the Seawalls and lime. New Year’s Day, I will help mom to prepare cook-up rice. That day I will spend at home with my family. I hope that next year, things will be the same for Christmas.”

58-year-old Carlton Jarvis is a father of two, and also a grandfather. Carlton thinks that prices this Christmas were good. “Christmas was spent primarily with family. Boxing Day, I went to a few friends and had some drinks. I liked the fact that there was no segregation for Christmas. Only elections seem to separate everyone. I am very happy that my country is at peace. For 2012, I will complete all those projects that were left unfinished. I’m not going anywhere Old Year’s Night.  I am taking it cool, staying at home, and playing music.”

Energetic six-year-old Adelicia Nikita Andries says she had plenty of fun and joy this Christmas. “I helped mom clean and paint the house; I cleaned up mommy’s room as a surprise for her. I helped decorate the house and the Christmas tree. Christmas Day, I gave gifts to mom and my friends; then I opened my presents. I ate pepperpot and bread, and baked fish with creamed potatoes. I played school with my friends, and sang Christmas Carols. Old Year’s Day, I will play music with my uncle, Rupert. I like gospel, soca and soul. For 2012, I plan to do excellently in school. I love mathematics, and plan to be a teacher. The TV channel I love watching is Channel 80 — The learning Channel.”

Many seem to have had a good Christmas. Young and old alike had copious doses of enjoyment and fun. Together, we face the New Year, conscious that the potential for success and good fortune is enormous.