Online Reporter
Society Reporter
FOR many, Christmas is about faith, family and merrymaking.
It is a time for giving and sharing, and for families to generally spend time together.
For Christian believers and non-believers alike, it is one of the most significant and popular holidays on their calendar.
The festive season holidays generally generate interest from around October as most people, especially those based in the diaspora, return home for festivities.
Last week, in an age-old tradition, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume switched on Christmas lights in the capital to officially mark the start of the festive season.
Streets in big cities like Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Gweru lit up to give a colourful Christmas cheer.
However, for some, the Christmas lights now stand as just a reminder of something they used to believe in and perhaps even crave.
Many informal traders depend on holidays such as these to maximise sales.
Makeup artist Tafara Mashate, who operates from Harare’s central business district (CBD), said this marked the beginning of a busy period.
She is already enjoying brisk business.
“As a makeup artist, this season is the most exciting because l get to work with a lot of clients already waiting for my services,” she said.
“People are having end-of-year parties at most organisations and women come as a group for my make-up services. l often get to work with at least five clients, and that’s a lot of money on my part.”
She will not be taking a break on Christmas and will only rest after the peak season.
She intends to use much of the money on her daughter, who will be starting secondary school education next year.
Tobias Musabaiwa, a lecturer at Christian College of Southern Africa, said: “Christmas is the best holiday as we start to prepare for 2026 . . . I am going to Guruve with my family. We will join our extended family to enjoy a good time despite limited budgets.”
Tinashe Katsande, who operates a tuck shop in Norton, said sales were high.
“Most of our clients are from women savings clubs. They save their money over six months and make bulk purchases in December. Our shop is busy, and we have extended our operating times to cater for all of our clients,” he said.
“Most of the women are buying basic commodities like sugar, rice, washing powder, cooking oil and bath soaps, among other goods.”
However, this year’s Christmas will be different for others.
Flea market operator Mary Mapinda said business is low compared to previous years.
“I own a flea market. I sell clothes, shoes, household goods and groceries,” she said.
“There is no change in business trends this year . . . sales are still very low, the usual hype is not there and I am worried about how we are going to navigate this December.”
Lameck Makoni, a motor mechanic who also operates from the CBD, will not be travelling to his rural home in Manicaland.
With his family based there, it means he will spend Christmas without his wife and children as he has not saved enough money for travel.
“Business has been low for months,” said the 41-year-old father of three.
“I hoped that by this time of the year I would have gathered enough money for me to go and spend time with my family, but I must admit that I have failed. I will have to save up the little earnings and send them to pay for next year’s school fees.”
Majorie Manongwa, a vendor who sells Christmas decorations, will be working on Thursday, although she will take an early break.
“I have not saved much, so I will come to work for a few hours and then go back home to cook and spend time with my family,” she said.
“I would have loved to take a break for the entire festival, but I cannot afford to stay at home because of the little profit margins that I make.”
On a good day, Manongwa sells at least three Christmas trees daily, while on a bad day she goes home empty-handed.
The trees cost between US$10 and US$25 each.
“Sometimes I just sell a single Christmas tree a day,” she said.
“I can’t even save for my own Christmas treat, so putting a special meal on the table for my family on the day feels like an achievement.”
Clown Sandile Mandi opines that maybe they will enjoy brisk business on Christmas day.
Despite low business currently, Mandi is hopeful that business will improve during the week.
“For us, holidays are the busiest as we entertain kids,” he said.
“So far, business is low and I will not be able to afford Christmas gifts for my family as usual. We are going to use the little savings for food and school fees for next year.”
