To explore Christmas, one of Guyana’s most compelling holidays, we must examine whether it was indeed slavery that imposed Christianity on Afro-Creole Guyanese or whether awareness of a similar history existed before forms of Plantation-era Christianity, with its contradictions and justifications. for the religious frauds that supported slavery. According to all reliable records available to researchers, the legend and celebration of a similar character and festival existed among Africans. This was the God Ausar, or Osiris, who was killed, resurrected and became the God of judgment of the dead. This long predates the concept of Christianity and entered the religious realms of Europe much later. Slave-era Christianity, however, was original in its underhanded dictates, creating a false doctrine of contradictions to justify slavery and indoctrinate generations of Africans born on the plantations of the Americas.

The celebration of Christmas is also rooted in “solstice” rebirth ceremonies of seasonal (agricultural) harvests, including expressions of farmland and household cleansing and food sharing feasts. Such tribal banquets could not continue without the social script of goodwill toward other humans and the hope of a spiritual concept proposing cosmic change and positive continuity. Thus, the birth of Christ became significant – necessary today in a human world that appears to be in ideological decline. In areas where awareness of Christianity is important, Christmas as a stated ideal requires a larger-than-life interpretation to engage with. Such a concept is based on the inner ideals of the Christmas pageant, a tradition from the ancient pre-Christian world linked to Ausar-Osiris. In my childhood memory, the Christmas and Easter competitions were important.

We are faced with the intention to prove that humanity is a shared responsibility despite deceptions, disagreements and materialistic overtures. The lack of principles calls into question the necessary goodwill that is expected, even without charity. However, we must commit to it at some point, because life generates conflict and disappointment, not only from strangers, but often more painfully from our own blood. Suffice it to say that Christmas, as a celebration of birth and hope, encourages us to retool and persevere toward our dreams and commitments in the symbolic newness and continuity that the season inspires.

From my early youth, I was always indirectly taught that at Christmas, we must consider saying goodbye to the passing year and simultaneously contemplate the birth of the year to come, because the two ceremonies are linked and must be judiciously guarded. Traveling this path of safeguarding requires the synchronization of the family unit, guided by its leaders. From Christmases past we have learned the lessons, a lifetime of teaching of its own, and experience comes into play, bringing wisdom to modern resource management.

In conclusion, I have seen improvements in some of our national masked marching bands. Let’s enjoy our national holiday dishes, representing each group of people who have come to this country. Consider the season a time of evaluation, both for Christmas and Kwanzaa, as we condition our goals and responsibilities for 2025.