KE ETMANSHOOP - Keetmanshoop mayor McDonald Hanse said Christmas should be enjoyed as a time for reflection, gratitude and appreciating the blessings that surround one.
This was the focus of his message to residents when officially switching on the town’s festive lights last week.
“The festive season is a time when our community comes together to celebrate the joy of giving, the warmth of friendship, and the hope for a brighter future,” he stated.
Hanse observed that the twinkling lights and festive decorations serve as a beacon of light, and a symbol of the unity which defines the community.
“Tonight, as we illuminate these Christmas lights, we not only brighten our town, but also kindle the flame of love, kindness and generosity in our hearts. This is a time to reach out to our neighbours, embrace the spirit of giving, and foster a sense of togetherness that transcends all differences,” he continued.
The town’s first citizen called on residents to embrace the magic of Christmas and usher in a season of love, peace and goodwill. He then wished them a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season.
Lost value
Some residents, however, feel that the traditional values of Christmas have disappeared in most communities, with the day now being regarded as just an excuse for binge-drinking and people pulling into their own directions.
Reverend Zezito Epafanio opined that most people have lost the purpose and value of the day.
“People nowadays consider it as a day of celebrating at parties and other gatherings, whilst they should do introspection to revisit the importance of the day in a religious perspective,” he emphasised.
The clergyman said it should rather be regarded as a day when families ought to go back home from their different destinations, and celebrate it in unity around the table.
Jordan Farao, a youthful member of the town, said the true meaning of Christmas has died in the society of today. “We, as the younger generation, should go back and reflect on what the real, traditional meaning of the day entails,” he advised. He observed that families are no longer spending quality time together, which is a big concern, as it is causing rifts amongst family members. “It is, however, commendable that our older cadres in society do still cling to and observe the day’s true meaning and traditional values,” said Farao. Also commenting was elderly resident Martha Tise, who moaned that the special day on the calendar is heavily neglected and disregarded.
“When we were children, this day was the pinnacle around our festive season activities where we used to go from home to home, singing Christmas carols and wishing our elders a merry Christmas,” she said.
Tise added that substance abuse has now led to the youth ignoring the importance of the day, and in the process setting a bad trend for future generations.
- sklukowski@nepc.om.na