While Christmas may look a bit different this year, some Guyanese are determined to celebrate in spite of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Clearly, the 2020 holiday season will be unlike any other in modern history. And the Ministry of Health (MoH) is strongly advising that people take all the necessary guidelines to curb the spread of the virus.
After approximately nine months of separation from one another, we asked our readers to tell us how they are planning to navigate the holiday season this year. Notably, they are finding all sorts of ways to unite, celebrate, and reflect during this time.
Novotna Robinson
“Anyone that knows me would agree that Christmas is my all-time favourite time of the year. I look forward to opening gifts with my kids and spending the day with my family. This year like all others, I will be spending Christmas with my kids opening gifts and making lunch. I really look forward to it so much that I even took my vacation leave to enjoy the holidays. The only downfall this year is that I do not have my grandmother to video call on Christmas Day, but I hold dear that she is in a better place. In a nutshell, I think that Christmas should be spent with family approaching all the things that you have and be grateful. I will also be doing a lot of Christmas shopping and last-minute cleaning,” Novotna Robinson.
Alisha Persaud
“This year, Christmas is not the same as the other Christmas. This year we have to go the extra mile to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy. This COVID-19 is very serious, and taking care of ourselves and loved ones is the best gift we can give each other this year. This year, I have to call and send messages to my friends and families all over cause we can’t have the family gathering. This year will be hard not to have your entire family with you knowing that this time of the year is a family gathering and presents and spending quality time with family and close friends. This year, I have to spend it with my little have and make the best of the holiday. It’s been a hard year for everyone, but if anything, we should have learned from Covid-19 is that time is precious. Spend quality time with your family. Make every moment count. Time waits for no one. We have to make the most out of it and use it wisely,” Alisha Persaud.
Octivia Samuels
“Christmas this year will be a bit different. My family and I would usually spend the holidays in Santa Mission, but we have been celebrating in the capital city for the past couple of years. We would usually cook and have a family get together, but given the COVID-19 restrictions, I don’t think this would be possible this year. Apart from COVID-19, my holiday celebrations have changed following the pasting of my dad. Following the announcements of COVID-19 here, we would have had a rough nine months, so I am urging persons to have a merry time while at the same time obeying the necessary guidelines instituted by the Ministry of Health. Seasons greetings to all,” Octivia Samuels.
Leeanna Allen
“Honestly, I am still in ‘work mode.’ In some ways, I feel like I have been working harder during the pandemic than before. I’ve heard many other professionals say that as well. But specifically in relation to Christmas, I would be home with my little family, making quite a few calls since we may not be able to do much visiting,” Leeanna Allen.
