What are the must-have things for Christmas this year? We asked several persons in the street this question and these were their responses.
Jermaine Bristol, private sector employee – `A car. I want a car for Christmas and I am hoping that I can get one at the drawing of the Fogarty’s U Turn to Win promotion to be held on the 28th. I am ready for Christmas. On Christmas Day I will be with my family and in the afternoon I will go off to the pool hall for a competition. I will not be cooking but I am looking forward to my aunt’s apple rice.’
Raakesh Fiedtkou, self-employed – `For Christmas I must have good health, life and strength. Once I have those things I am good. My Christmas preparations are on track. On Christmas Day I will be with my family.’
Vanessa Gordon, housewife – `I must have food for Christmas. Pepper pot, baked chicken, garlic pork and all the other Christmas foods. Also I must have some new curtains for Christmas. My cleaning is almost complete and on Christmas Day I will be relaxing. I will not be cooking, my children will be doing that.’
Alicia Singh, university student – `For Christmas I must have an iPhone, the Wii (a Nintendo and playstation gadget), clothes, shoes, a digital camera and of course money. I completed my Christmas decorating since Thanksgiving so that I can enjoy the season. I will spend Christmas Day with my family and I will be eating a lot. I will also be opening all the presents that I asked for on that day.’
Robert Martin, photographer – `I must have food, shelter and a full stomach for Christmas. My Christmas preparations are almost complete. On Christmas Day I will be passing the time sleeping. I am looking forward to tasting the Guyanese pepper pot and all the other great local dishes.’
Shalim Baksh, supervisor – `I must have togetherness in my family because without that there is no Christmas, lots of goodies including tasty Guyanese food like pepper pot, garlic pork and hot ginger beer and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with colourfully wrapped gifts underneath. I will be finishing my cleaning and decorating, by midday on Christmas Eve day because I want to enjoy the season. I scheduled my work so I think I will finish in time. On Christmas Day I will exchange gifts and assist in the kitchen and with setting up the table.’
Dhaniran Singh, mechanic operator – `For Christmas I need peace and happiness in my family. My Christmas preparations are going good and I am excited for the big day. On Christmas Eve I will be making my pepper pot so that I can eat it with bread the following morning. I will also be helping my mother in the kitchen.’
Paulette De Younge, vendor – `For Christmas I must have some household items and some money. I also want there to be peace in the country for Christmas. My preparations have not been going too well because I don’t have anyone to help me financially. I haven’t started decorating my house.’
Jermaine Cozier, computer technician – `I must have computer gadgets for Christmas. I have already bought a back-up battery and a network cord. My Christmas preparations are going fairly good. I plan to spend Christmas Day on my computer since I just love being on it.’
Sandra Martin, housewife – `For Christmas I must have vinyl, new blinds, household items and peace. I have already bought some of the items for my home. For Christmas I would like everyone to be careful wherever they are and for there to be a crime-free holiday. On Christmas Day I will be relaxing at home with my family. My niece will be helping me with the baking and cooking.’