Christmas they say its not the season but a feeling. However, in Ghana there seems to be a combination of the two as all over the world Christmas is marked as an annual festival initiated by Christains to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite its religious affliations it is globally observed as a legal holiday.
In Ghana the celebrations can start from as early as 20th Dec through to first week in January within which most corporate organisations give workers a break.
Prominent features that announce the celebrations are open decorations of shopping centres, workplaces, and homes with ribbons, balloons, Christmas trees not leaving out public centres such as parks, roundabouts and bus stations are covered with Christmas related decorative lights. This year special thumbs to the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College at Teshie barracks for their beautiful decorations.
In the local markets, the shopping centres are crowded with traders all dressed in Christmas paraphernalia and new items just for sale just during of the period filling all empty spots along the pedestrians walkways with and
There are also lots of reduce to clear items on the markets, from clothing to wigs to accessories and food items of which the standard boards advise that patrons stay alert when buying in order not to buy expired products just because they are cheaper.
With regards to religious activities most churches and corporate bodies organize carol services and praise events in appreciation to God for the year.
On Christmas day most Christians in Ghana go to church in the early hours close early and come to receive guests or visit family and loved ones. There is a lot of greetings Afiehyia Pa oo(merry Christmas) and the response Afi ko na enbeto y3n( the year should go and come meet us well) plus any other good will messages of long life, blessings, and prosperity.
Food is not left out of the equation as most homes prepare rice delicacies and most popular local food fufu accompanied with soup at the preference of the family.
Celebrations continue the next day with outings, beach events, visitations and time out with friends and loved ones.
Fast forward to 31st Dec churches across the country have an crossover event which is an all-night service marked with lots of praises for a successful year and prayers for the incoming year. At 12 prayers intensify with a count down to the new year and few minutes past 12h there is singing and dancing for safe transition.
Church service ends few hours later and most retiring to bed while others continue to late night parties held at pubs during the period.
The next day is observed as a public holiday where most patronize outdoor activities, get togethers and again family time
So you’ve heard the Ghanain story of CHRISTMAS…TELL US WHATS YOUR IDEAL CHRISTMAS?
Ghloriah Addo
Free lance Journalist
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