adminChiedza Matenga Cool Lifestyle Writer
“Long time ago in Bethlehem
So the Holy Bible says
Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ
Was born on Christmas day”,
ONCE upon a time in a kingdom far away, a King was born to all humankind. He was “The Messiah”, the present king of Egypt received with displeasure. He was the only king and would not dare share his rulership with a newbie.
Throughout the land, people celebrated the life of the new King who would save their souls. This new King was born of a virgin mother, his parents were not chosen according to riches but according to their own worth.
Now that the festive season is upon us we celebrate however different from what the people did then.
Shops and homes are lit with Christmas lights of various colours and an artificial Christmas or the Cyprus trees.
People’s moods are enlightened to the beauty of the decor. Ornaments are hung on these trees and for most these ornaments suggest things that we have achieved throughout the year.
The star on top of the tree is a metaphor of the star that led the Three Wise Men to the place where Jesus was born.
When we look at this star it should remind us of how we should follow Jesus now.
Our little siblings expect gifts from Santa Clause to have been fulfilled by Christmas Day in order to open them on Boxing Day.
For the rural folks new clothes are the order of the day as one eagerly waits to be allocated their share. The same can also be expected for the New Year.
Carols are heard at churches and in the rural settings churches are normally at schools.
Mrs Nhetekwa, a devout Catholic, is heard singing her favourite “Nhasi Denga Razarurwa” tune.
She also makes it a point to invite quite a number of the people from the village to join her share the goodies she may have.
And they make us merry and joyful inside.
In Africa and of particular Zimbabwe, our Christmas days may be spent kumusha (village home or home town) with ambuya nasekuru (grandparents) because mostly this is the only time we get to meet with our cousins and nephew from different parts of the world.
With so much development in the rural areas, one can enjoy watching their favourite programmes making no difference from town life.
Thanks to the President who has made it possible for us to enjoy our home life (kumusha) environments.
No more struggles of lighting the wet firewood and burning the delicious Christmas food.
Grandfather makes it a point to slaughter a beast when his family is gathers. This is done a day or two before the big day. We all gather around the fire roasting some portions while singing and sharing life’s experiences.
Back in town the Cyprus tree is sold at every intersection.
Shops are decorated with various designs of all colours and assortment of merchandise displayed for our attention.
Mostly in rural areas, our breakfast will be big slices of bread served with the famous “Sun Jam” and butter with a big cup of Tanganda tea with thick creamy milk (tea hobvu).
Lunch will be snacks and fizzy drinks and the men drink from the Coca-Cola container. We all dress up for the occasion.
Supper is rice served with pot-roast chicken, popularly known a road-runner. This is how we would celebrate the life of our Saviour. But one thing that is certain is how we do thank God for sending His son before the day commences.
Let us celebrate Christmas in a peaceful manner and let us remember the underprivileged.
Online Reporter