It is often said that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it comes with much work, preparations, housecleaning, decluttering, shopping, entertaining, and cooking.
In Guyana, as in many other parts of the globe, it is a special time to get rid of the old and welcome the new. House cleaning begins weeks ahead of the festive season.
Old items such as furniture, televisions, and household goods that no longer serve their purpose are discarded near trash bins, awaiting garbage truck pickups. New items, including furniture and other household essentials that people have worked towards or saved up for, are purchased.

A new piece of furniture adds a bit of colour to things we’ve had for a while. Here in Guyana, we don’t change our home décor every season like people do abroad. At Christmas, everything gets rearranged and refreshed.

Guyanese use this season to freshen their homes: getting new curtains, placing flowers in vases, and becoming overnight decorators to add that splash of colour to brighten the place.
Painting is also a hallmark of the season, with rugs washed long before the holidays and either reused or replaced with new ones to add extra comfort.
This is the time of year to be joyful and spread cheer wherever we are. It is also a time for spending quality moments at home with family.

Christmas in Guyana remains traditional and old school, with ginger beer and fruits prepared months in advance for curing. Ingredients are stored for making black cake, pepperpot, bread, and other festive foods.

People often save up to make Christmas at home special, stocking up on all the meats, drinks, and goodies associated with the season.
It is also a time for sharing, caring, and showing love through staff socials and distributing tokens of appreciation for hard work and dedication over the year.
Christmas also means long queues everywhere. Traffic crawls in certain areas of the city, especially downtown shopping districts, where vendors outdo themselves, selling everything imaginable.

This season is a busy time, with so much to accomplish in such a short period. By the time Christmas morning arrives, many feel exhausted from doing everything to ensure others enjoy a great holiday.

Christmas in Guyana is about good food and drinks, sharing, and spreading joy—especially to those who need it most—through random acts of kindness.
This year is no different. Women will journey to the city, the markets, and various shops to gather essentials, often carrying heavy bags while braving the humid conditions.
Guyanese go the extra mile during this time, beautifying their homes with new coats of paint. It’s amazing how much a fresh layer of paint can transform and brighten a space.
There is no better feeling than being home for the holidays, surrounded by loved ones and sharing meals prepared with love. Women, daughters, sisters, aunts, and nieces often come together in the kitchen, baking and cooking.

Spending long hours making meals from scratch is part of the joy, as keeping a home takes effort, time, and cooperation.
Christmas in Guyana is a lovely time for celebration, giving back to society, and reflecting on achievements while remaining focused on future progress.
The festive season, often described as “a good ole Guyanese Christmas,” draws overseas-based Guyanese back home to enjoy its warmth and traditions.

Guyanese know how to throw a party and bring joy, outdoing themselves in one way or another to show care for loved ones.
Christmas is not only about receiving presents but also the ideal time to give without expecting anything in return. It is a season of love, sharing, and gratitude.