Of Christmas fever, gifts and the January disease

“Christmas comes but once a year,” is a common saying but, it is that time of the year again and by the time you read this column next week, I am sure you would have come across the madness and ecstasy that comes along with celebrating the day.

Who can fault those merrymaking as this is a rare day that only comes once in a blue moon. Everyone strives by all means to make it a day to remember and they do things they don't do everyday to an extent that even the type of food they eat on that day is not only unique but also five-star.

My memory of some Christmases I have spent in rural areas brings with me both good and sad memories. I remember that some families when it comes to this time struggle to force ends meet. Sometimes they wouldn't be having the money to buy new clothes for their children. And, it is this time of the year when they taste bread and margarine for the first and last time that year.

I have seen many children in tattered clothes, storming discotheques or nearby shopping centres in a bid to celebrate the day. To them, those clothes will be their best and what touches me so much is that they don't mind many things and they enjoy themselves to the fullest. This part of life seems fictitious but it is real.

But, on the other side of life, I have seen many people who lack nothing. They will have food to throw away. In my mother tongue, we have a saying that describes this act and when it is loosely translated, means “kicking food”. I have seen many people who take this opportunity to 'kick food' and as this day approaches, just take your time to observe the goings on within the community and you will realise that what I am saying is true.

Dear reader, I am not saying people should not celebrate this day but, I am just highlighting the discrepancies of life. I have heard so many people saying that life is unfair and I just concluded that it is from these differences they derived that conclusion and in most cases they blame God for that.

However, despite these disparities one of the important part of marking this day is giving. Many people spend a lot of money buying gifts they give to their beloved ones. I think we should also follow this trend and give something to someone this Christmas. No matter how small it might be, it will be highly appreciated.

Receiving gifts is the part I like most when it comes to this day, but to tell the truth my hand becomes heavy when it comes to giving to others. It's not only me as I discovered that we are many when it comes to this. To make the giving easy especially for those with perforated pockets, Christmas cards provide a cheaper option as they can be used as gifts.

One fun thing about the whole concept is that all the gifts are supposed to be kept and sealed even on Christmas day only to be opened on the following day which is popularly known as Boxing Day. But, people with uncontrollable curiosity like me can't wait that long to know what the wrapped box contains, so I usually open the gift as soon as it comes without minding what day it is.

And, with Christmas around the corner and power outages continuing, I am just but imagining how it will be like. Some people will be forced to drink warm beer and soft drinks if this trend continues. Many children in high density suburbs who rely on discotheques as a form of entertainment during these days will also be disadvantaged if power outages rock their areas.

Let's just pray and hope that a miracle occurs so that power rationing becomes a thing of the past before X-mas. Though this holiday promises to be one of the dullest for many people, it is not the availability of electricity I am worried about. When ever I think of the period after this festive season I feel sorry for many people.

Though many people will try by all means to make their families happy, they usually find themselves in dilemma come January as reality will dawn on them that a lot of money is needed for rentals, school fees, food and many other basic needs. Trying to run around, borrowing from friends will be mission impossible as the so called friends will also be in red. They won't be having any cent to spare but will also be planning to come to you for help.

This is known as the January disease. The beginning of every year is usually problematic as wananchi's pockets would have been perforated during the festive season. So many families have disintegrated due to this disease and despite it being perennial, it seems as if we don't learn from our past mistakes. We always fall into the same trap every year as the temptations of the festive season are too strong to resist.

As we enter into this festive season, let's stop wasting a lot of money on luxuries only to regret it when the January disease strikes. Let's plan wisely and avoid the embarrassment. And, to you dear reader, Bongoblast wishes you a merry X-mas and a happy New Year. Remember don't drink and drive this holiday. And, it is better to be late than to be the late. God bless you.

bongoblast@thisday.co.tz/ symeniah.blogspot.com/0657651300