”Last Christmas Eve was a rush!”

This was expressed by nine-year -old Adelicia Andries who resides on the “Island” on Sussex Street. She sat across from me and shared her Christmas thoughts. I had waited more than an hour to speak to her on a windy Sunday morning.
“Every Christmas I work hard to fix up my home. There is washing, scrubbing, sweeping and cobwebbing. Then there is the last minute shopping rush for decorations and some food items.” She then assists with cooking.
She recalls waiting up until midnight just to be able to open her presents. After playing with her toys for a while she falls asleep wherever it catches her.
“I get up early Christmas morning and eat, bread and cheese or pepperpot and Milo. I enjoy being with my family. I also play with many of my friends. We share each other toys and have a grand time.”
“My best Christmas was when my sister visited from overseas. We spent a lot of time together, played games, went shopping and visited the zoo/gardens or a picnic.”
Adelicia though young has a wonderful outlook on life.
“When I have plenty of toys I give some to my friends. My friends are a big part of my Christmas. They share one half and my family the other.”
She enjoys days of hectic activities. Playing with family friends and cousins, watching TV, visiting Santa, going to Courts light up and playing for long periods with her doll house and kitchen set.
“I get the Christmas spirit from hearing carols, seeing homes and stores decorated, playing with toys and attending Christmas parties especially my school party.”
“To me, Christmas is not about toys and gifts alone. It’s about Jesus who was born on that day. I wish every Guyanese a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Adelicia’s mom Grace Grant-Andries, thinks that Christmas has lost some of its excitement. “I only get excited when I prepare the home for the children. I think it’s mainly for children.”
Her happy memories of Christmas consist of receiving many gifts, helping and watching parents prepare for the season, decorating, cooking and eating.
“I used to play and run all day. I enjoyed it back then because it was the only time of year when I could play unrestricted. I really enjoyed all of my Christmas days back then. Once I drank some Jamoon wine and by the time food arrived I was out of it; fast asleep. There is no such fun today for the season. Old days can’t come back!”
It’s hard work for the single mother of three. Clean up, shopping, decorating, cooking, baking and hosting holiday visitors.
She feels some disappointment that the season has been so heavily commercialised. This, to her, shifts the focus from Christ.
“I wish that people will really reflect on Christ, get to understand Him and serve Him as their master. After all, He is the reason for the season!”
“I wish everyone a great, successful and mighty New Year.”

(By Neil Primus)