By Justine Namara
Christmas used to feel magical, especially for those of us who grew up in large families. As children, it cost us nothing! It was pure bliss expecting new clothes and the eating that came with Christmas. We would secretly try on our clothes before Christmas Day and count down the nights until we could wear them proudly. On Christmas morning, we walked together to Christ the King Church in Rukungiri for Mass, each of us glowing with joy.
After church, we posed for countless photos at the nearest studio. Other times, we went to my grandfather’s home and converged with the rest of the extended family members. Laughing and sharing stories with cousins is another memory to die for! Also then, a bottle of soda felt like a treat from heaven.
Weight of adulthood
Christmas changes when adulthood arrives. New clothes are no longer a priority, and the thrill of soda has long disappeared. What once required no spending now depends entirely on our pockets; food, transport, gifts, and endless contributions. Uganda’s economic pressures, worsened by the lingering effects of COVID-19, make the season heavier than before. What was once effortless is now a budgeting task filled with sacrifices.
Family gatherings have also shifted. In earlier years, all family members returned home, filling the compound with laughter, teasing, and shared excitement. Today, some are married and celebrate in their own homes, while others are tied up with work or live too far away. The once-full home feels quieter, and the absence of familiar faces is deeply felt.
Children still hold the magic
Children, however, still carry the glow of Christmas. They get excited about new clothes, balloons, soda, and food, just as we once did. Their joy reminds us of the innocence that coloured our childhood celebrations.
Meanwhile, for adults, the desire is simple: eat early lunch and rest. But that rest rarely comes. Christmas is filled with cooking, washing dishes, serving guests, and finally eating lunch much later than planned. By the end of the day, exhaustion replaces the excitement we once felt.
True meaning endures
Even though Christmas no longer feels the same, its meaning has not changed. Beyond the food, gatherings, and childhood memories, we are called to remember the birth of Christ—the Saviour who came into a broken world to bring hope, peace, and redemption. Christmas invites us to reflect on God’s love made visible in Jesus, to extend grace to others, and to hold on to the joy that transcends changing times and circumstances.
