Ronald Hollingsworth: "I attended midnight mass with my family and after the service we went to my brother in law's home for an early Christmas toast and gift exchange. This was mostly to accommodate the children who can't until later on Christmas day to open their presents.

"I hosted Christmas lunch/dinner this year. It is an annual tradition that all my in-laws, my nieces and nephews who live in Dallas [Texas, USA] meet on Christmas to have dinner and to watch the Dallas Cowboys play football. They all bring various dishes to share. This year we were true Guyanese in terms of our menu.

"I cooked chicken foot souse and fish broth for the guys as appetizers. I never ate that at Christmas. Could you imagine we had curry, roti, chowmein, fried rice?

"New Year's Eve or Old Year's Night is the next big activity. My wedding anniversary is on that day and so my wife and I get dressed up and go to the Guyanese Old Year's Night party. That too is held at a different person's home each year. However, this year there are two parties one by a Caribbean group and the other by the Guyanese. I will have to attend both. The parties are usually free with lots to eat and drink.

"I miss Guyana for the cleaning up, the shopping down Regent Street, and the last-minute rush to get everything in place. It is all different now. But next year I will be home for Christmas."

Celeste David: "Could you believe I worked on Christmas Day? But I was with my family so it didn't really matter. I had breakfast with my family on that day then we just sat around for hours chatting. We talk a lot when we are together and there was so much to share. This was in Berbice, by the way. I actually went to bed late that night because we had work to do. If I remember correctly it was after twelve when I got some shut eye.

"The holidays mean a lot to me. It is that time when my family would sit down and reflect on the past year and the things we did. There is so much love to go around this season and it is that time when you share and you demonstrate in whatever way that you care for family, friends, love one.

"As for the New Year I am going to be in church. Every year that is where I greet the New Year. Church is important to me and my family."

Edward Neblett: "Christmas was quiet. I was home all day for the past couple of days. It really is about spending time with my family. That is what is about for me. In addition to the free time was an opportunity for me to write a few songs. I don't really have much time otherwise so I was grateful for that. I wrote three songs in the space of a few days so soon I will be hitting the studio provided all is in place.

"Christmas is the season when we remember Christ's birth and I try to keep that in focus in everything I do. I hope the New Year brings bigger and better things for me and my music. The people that I am surrounded by are really supportive and we are working on making 2007 a better year. I really hope it is."

Timeka Marshall: "There was not much going on this Christmas for me. To put it plainly, it was quiet. I did some work for Cellink Plus and spent some time meeting people. The holidays really are a time for my family and a close circle of friends. We usually get together and spend quality time.

"I cannot forget the presents because they are so many to open and I get a chance to give to people as well. I get very cheery at Christmas because the general atmosphere is like that. I am so lucky to be surrounded by people who embrace the season.

"My New Year starts in church. I cannot be at any other place but church when the New Year breaks. But after that I might go somewhere. There are so many places to go that I have not decided yet where exactly I am going to be. I want to ring it in with a bang but not a big bang. Then again I might just go home and keep it quiet. But who knows?"

Colgrain Whyte: "There is not much that I do at Christmas except devote quality time to my family. The Christmas menu is a big deal in my home and I would cook sometimes. We would have everything from fried rice, macaroni and cheese, baked chicken, salads and however we feel to eat the potatoes.

"I try and give much needed time to my children. As tempted as I am to get on my steel pan and play music I resist. What I also do a lot is sleep. Sleep is at the top of my must-have list around this time.

"As we approach a new year I would just take time out and reflect on year I would have had. I am grateful for so many things. I am grateful to God, my family, friends and the people who support what I am doing. I am particularly grateful to Stabroek News for featuring me in the newspaper. After the article was published I was contacted by a guy overseas who read the article and wanted to donate a steel pan to me. I got the pan a few months ago and we have been inseparable. I want to say thanks to him."

Miriam Williams: "Christ is the focus of the season for me. As a mother I try to make Christmas an enjoyable time for my children and as long as they are okay I am okay. Sometimes it could be so demanding but when I see them smiling and enjoying it, I enjoy it. That is what I get from Christmas.

"Next year will mark my 25th year singing and I plan to do so many great things. I want to tour abroad next year. It will definitely be a bigger year for me. There is an open heaven in 2007 for me and I will work towards making many things a reality.

"So many people have supported me this year and I just wanted to say thanks. When my mother was ill there was an overwhelming show of support." (ianaseales@yahoo.com)