A Caribbean Christmas would probably be one of the best things in the world for tourists and those returning home after years of being abroad. But the only other thing better than a Caribbean Christmas is a Guyanese Christmas.

Guyanese at home and abroad can agree that spending time in lovely Guyana during the holidays is the ultimate start to having a perfect holiday vacation. The fuss of turning the entire house upside down for just one period in the entire year adds a sort of misfortune for those kids who must help their moms and or grandmas, and not run off to play with their friends or cousins, to clean and disarrange the entire house.

Paint being placed on freshly wiped walls, and the sweet scent of the Fabuloso all-purpose cleaner placed on windows that probably haven’t been wiped that well since this time last year. The smell of homemade cakes being baked and ginger beer being brewed, and not forgetting the Pepperpot, are among the very long list of things that makes Guyanese Christmas the best.

You’re never alone during this time when families come together and share in the celebration and thanksgiving. Store clerks and market vendors openly welcome you in to see all things you may not need but purchase anyway, all in the name of Christmas. Traffic never holds back a crowd of excited shoppers as they make their way from store to store in a hurry to get last-minute items they may need on the eve of Christmas. Twinkling lights on most buildings, décor on every home. Public trees decorated, and Christmas parties galore for both children and adults.

But why do we do all of this? Surely none of us wakes up on December first and decides to turn the house upside down and make a huge mess in every room. And no, we certainly don’t dive into crowds upon crowds of shoving excited people just for the fun of it all. It’s a time-honoured tradition to make and celebrate Christmas big in Guyana.

It is almost as though we’re born with this instinct that tells us that it’s Christmas, and we should get excited about it.

We enjoy the masquerades, plan the endless parties, up-turn the entire house, and drown in the never-ending crowds of likeminded people every year, not because we may necessarily want to, or enjoy doing it, but because it simply would not be Christmas without any of it. We may all celebrate it differently in various parts of the country, but one thing we do have in common is the fact that we are all able to celebrate it in big ways.

It can be admitted that, just like children, adults, too, feel their hearts swell and feel joy whenever they spend time cleaning, cooking or being out in the packed streets across the country.

Immense joy is also felt when giving back to those less fortunate, or when wrapping gifts for your children, and providing them with the things finances simply can’t buy.

The best of this season is being able to have stories to tell for many years to come; the stories of that aunt who never misses an event, or of the children who make funny statements about the way something looks. And then there are the stories of that one family-friend who happens to get so drunk that he falls off the bridge at your home.

The stories of a woman making it safely out of an abusive relationship, and starting anew; a child being adopted just in time for Christmas; a last-minute promotion or bonus added to your salary. Then there are the stories of the unsung heroes around us; those who, despite not having a lot, give a lot. The stories that inspire us the most to be kind and gentle, and to not take our lives, or our health for granted.

Christmas movie marathons that bring your family closer, and pitch a fresh perspective of life that you’ve never seen or heard of before. Christmas Carols blasting all day in most homes throughout the country. The entire fuss of entering stores along Regent Street for one single thing that you just, “gah get” to make the house look as elegant as ever.

Hiding the gifts from your child or children who may or may not have seen what’s in the bag already.

Attending all the late-night events on Christmas Eve, or attending church on Christmas Morning for the word, or even just for that feeling of joy.

Seeing everyone around you happy, without a care in the world, even for just a few minutes on that very special day, it gives a warm, fuzzy feeling inside that won’t let go, no matter how hard you try.

It’s the one day that that cranky neighbour says hello to you and genuinely sends a smile your way. The day your parents finally get time off, and can be home with you.
Yes, Christmastime will forever be the most magical time of the year, and because of that, who knows what blessings may come your way during this wonderful holiday.