Remembering Christmas long ago
Stabroek News
December 21, 2003
We often hear from older citizens how different Christmas was long ago in comparison with nowadays. There was less consumerism, we are told, and the season reflected a spirit of goodwill which is absent today from our frenzied shopping expeditions and materialist concerns. Sunday Stabroek asked some elderly residents of the Gentlewomen's and Archer's homes what they remembered about Christmas when they were young.
Gertude Surujbally - 97
"I didn't know much. My elder sister used to take care of me; I was always at home. If I went anywhere my big sister would carry me to and from home. I came from a well-known family, the Farnums, and we lived on Brickdam. Our house was always decorated for the season; I enjoyed going to the Christmas fair at our church. My mom cooked special dishes for us, and I always enjoyed the turkey. I was not involved much in the Christmas festivities."
Hardai Mohanlall - 93
"I loved to dress house, clean up and put up nice blinds. I was so sure of Christmas, I used to pray for the time to meet. I lived in Mahaicony Creek and I loved to cook curried chicken and duck with dhal puri. Lots of my friends used to come over so we cooked and enjoyed ourselves. There was a lot of old, happy people living there.
I also loved baking my own cake. I do not know to bake black cake, so I would do fruit and sponge cakes. Christmas is a time of rejoicing. Before I got married I used to live in Greater Georgetown on Plantation Diamond. [At that time] my mom used to bake and cook all kinds of things for us. I was happy for Christmas because [we got] nice things to eat and wear. My mom was a seamstress. Long time was nice, nice days, nothing like now."
Charles Jupiter - 64
"I always enjoyed Christ-mas when I was young. It was church at midnight and back home with mom and dad. When we got there, there was cake at the table, garlic pork and bread and coffee. Old Year's Night was church again at midnight; from church, black-eye cook up. I really enjoyed the toys we used to get, especially bladders (balloons). I grew up in Plaisance with my parents."
Oscar Mohamed - 88
"I used to enjoy Christmas very much, it was something nice and super. I loved the lights and decorations, I remember especially that my friends and I would buy masks, which we bought for two pennies and wear them all through the season. Other than that I enjoyed the movies. In those times there were silent movies and I used to follow them. My second love was singing, especially classical music from then to now.
I grew up in various parts of Georgetown, and I was always excited at Christmas; myself and my friends would walk all over, especially on Camp street. The street used to look like New York to us, with all those lights. We used to visit the Thomas Tang store; they used to give away toys and sweets every Christmas, so we always went there and everyone was joyful."
Rita Weekes - over 60
"I enjoyed going to Father Christmas and window shopping, looking for toys. We used to live on North road and I used to look forward to our Christmas dinners. Then I moved to Bel Air with my cousins and aunts... I enjoyed the masquerade bands, and Christmas in those days was very nice."
Enita Fisher - 89
"When you're young, you're permitted to have everything nice and you're so happy. I mixed all around. My family came from Madeira to Guyana because there was a lot of trouble there. We lived in Buxton and the place was strange, so we lived a very quiet and peaceful life. Christmas for us was always peaceful and quiet."
Emelda de Souza - 88
"Christmas was hectic at home. I come from a very big family, nine of us in all. As teenagers we were looking forward to Christmas. I liked going to the parties, but we had to do our Christmas shopping first. As we got older we had to do the decorating ourselves. I grew up in Linden and then I moved to Georgetown."
Lucille Campbell - 89
"Christmas was Christ-mas. We lived in our own house and kept it well, had three dogs and enjoyed ourselves. A Christmas tree was always there and it was laden with children's toys and things for the children.
I grew up in Georgetown, South road and Albert Street in the house where a Seventh Day church is now. I had wonderful times; my parents were very protective and helped us to enjoy the season. My mom used to take me out to see the Christmas goods...
One thing that stands out in my mind about Christmas long ago were the drums; we have lost the drums, the Creole drums and the flute. They used to be on the road all the time during the Christmas season. You used to hear them coming from far away - the Masquerade bands too."
Gwendoline Rodericks- Benn - 92
"I have many children and grandchildren. Christmas for me was lovely, very lovely with God. I enjoyed wearing my nice hats and the nice things I got. I loved the entire season, especially the cake and gingerbread. I used to make my own ice cream, cake and gingerbread..."
(Angela Osborne)