dyton mupawaenda
Dr Masimba Mavaza
Christmas in the Diaspora can be bittersweet for many of us who have loved ones in Zimbabwe.
However, it’s also a time of the year we can embrace our unique identity, a combination of two cultures, and share it with others.
My mother’s house was where the family gathered every Christmas eve.
Rice was prepared and dozens of loaves of bread bought weeks in advance. A feast was set on the table and gifts were placed beneath the mango tree.
One loaf was sliced into three pieces which will be plastered with red Sun jam. Everything was picture perfect. My mother would welcome half of the village for a Christmas breakfast.
My father would laugh and say MaSibanda spends the whole year getting ready for this day. Christmas celebrations in my mother’s house would continue until 3 January.
One of the main challenges Zimbabweans face in the lead up to Christmas is the lack of a “festive feeling”.
For most of us, regardless of culture and nationality, the Christmas spirit tends to be based solidly on what we remember growing up.
So, all the sights, smells and tunes carved in our memories tend to create the essence of Christmas. Many of us who grew up in the village would remember Christmas as a day we would put on our new clothes.
We will all have new shoes mostly tenderfoot. The jeans bought for us were either Sting or Lee. For those who grew up in the urban areas, they would mostly anticipate joining cousins and grandparents in the countryside for these celebrations.
Without our favourite Christmas treats like Fanta and Tarino drinks in steady supply, or the little decorated round kitchens, or hearing children sing Four Brothers’ “Vimbai” and “Murambinda” by Paul Mpofu and Zambuko or “Mai vaDhikondo”, killed the Christmas vibe.
Now in the absence of “Simbimbino” by Bhundu Boys, it can feel decidedly unfestive. I remember my sisters singing “True Love” by Ilanga and Busi Ncube.
Oh, one can never imagine a Christmas without “Mabhawuwa” by Khiama Boys and “Chitekete” by Learnord Dembo. Then came Zhakata and “Mugove”. One can remember “Bonus” by Patrick Mukwamba.
The climate in diaspora such as the UK, the weather does not help as it is mid-winter and so gloomy.
This is a direct opposite to our nice and sunny Christmas in Zimbabwe, with sporadic rains here and there and the greenery in the fields. It’s not easy to feel “Christmassy” in the middle of summer without Safirio Madzikatire singing “KwaHunyani”.
Many of us in the Diaspora are not blessed with family, friends and a strong community around us, and we have no one to celebrate special occasions with. However, with some of our loved ones back in Zimbabwe, Christmas can feel a little bittersweet.
Fortunately, evolving technology enables us to “face-time” or Skype one another and share instant messages, photos and videos, so that it can feel almost like being together on these special occasions.
Although we live in the Diaspora, and are therefore usually keen to adapt to local flavours and methods in general, remember that there is a real sense of comfort, pride and identity in selecting some traditions from Christmas in Zimbabwe to add to your celebrations in the Diaspora.
They also provide a great talking point for Zimbabwean children growing up in the Diaspora, and guests of yours who don’t have a Zimbabwean heritage.
Celebrating Christmas in the Diaspora is a very special blessing. Not only do we have the opportunity to combine the best traditions from each culture, but we get to share them with others.
Children learn more about their heritage, and the way their parents and grandparents celebrated Christmas.
Everyone who attends such festivities, from any cultural background, has the chance to come together in joy and love – and this is the true meaning of Christmas, after all.
But do you have people to share with while you are diaspora?
Once again, Zimbabwe has come alive this Christmas as thousands from all over the world come back home to the motherland to celebrate with family and soak up African music and culture during the annual party season.
Even in those days my mother kept making plans for Christmas from her big house. Christmas was a big thing then wherever one will be, they will be planning to, “go home for Christmas and I’m going and nothing’s gonna keep me away, I’ll be with the ones I love to celebrate the Savior’s birth. This gift will be worth more to me than anything on earth, I’m going home, home for Christmas”.
But this Christmas as the world celebrates, I will be having questions for my God. The questions will be, why Arthur? Why those many who have passed away and are no longer around? Why those who will perish in car accidents on their way to Christmas?
Jesus on your birthday we pray, keep your children safe.
My mother, the best Christmas planner is now sleeping in the grave and Arthur has joined her. But Christmas goes on.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Online Reporter