TODAY is Christmas, a day revered by Christians across the world as the day on which Jesus Christ was born.
It is a special day for the religious community as it hails the birth of a man who “died for our sins”.
There will be church services followed by family parties.
For the non-religious community, the day is associated with merriment. There will be braai parties at favourite drinking spots where gallons of beer will be consumed.
In the village, the day is associated with eating the best diet of the year, while children will throng local growth points where they will spoil themselves while showing off their new clothes.
It is an old tradition which has refused to fade.
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Some have travelled to the rural areas where they will celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Others have visited popular tourist destinations, locally and outside the country.
The Christmas holiday is associated with merrymaking. From Muzarabani to Plumtree, Lupane and Nembudziya, the theme will be the same: merrymaking.
Despite the tough economic environment, Christmas is not like any other day. Thus, sacrifices will be made to make it special.
It has been a roller-coaster year, punctuated by the sharp depreciation of the local currency against the United States dollar which fuelled a rise in prices of basic commodities.
This has resultantly led to the elbowing out of the Zimdollar in local transactions, with estimates showing that over 80% of transactions are now in the greenback. Power cuts worsened in 2023, plunging the country to an average of 12 to 16 hours a day in darkness.
Experts say the struggles of 2023 will extend into next year and could be worse with the spectre of the El Niño-induced drought.
They project the continued weakening of the Zimdollar against the US$ which will quicken the redollarisation pace.
There is also the “back to school” craze which will gain momentum in the new year. Fees must be paid. Uniforms and books must be bought for the new term.
However, this “to-do list” will not steal the festive mood. The merrymaking must go ahead and spill over into the new year.
But in all the merrymaking, let’s spare a thought for the less privileged members of the society.
Charity should begin at home. In families, churches and communities, there are those that cannot afford a decent meal everyday and have nothing to sacrifice to enjoy the Christmas merriment.
They must not be forgotten in this season of merrymaking and associated with giving.
The old peoples’ and children’s homes across the country must always be on our radar.
They are part of us and need support and love.
Those that are driving on our country’s roads should exercise caution and be patient. Hurry hurry has no blessing, according to an old proverb. We should not allow road traffic accidents to mar the festivities. Observe road rules.
May the spirit of love, sharing and giving multiply this festive season. We cannot dream of Santa Claus coming from the North Pole with gifts as he will never reach our shores. We are our own Santas.
Merry Christmas Zimbabwe.