The Christmas Season this year will give us at least three clear holidays, and four for office workers. This would be time enough for rest and relaxation and to enjoy family gatherings, food and drink, and happy children and grandchildren with new toys. Not everyone, of course, will have these opportunities due to reasons beyond their control, such as the sick, the homeless, the deprived and the grieving. For those in unfavourable circumstances, it is hoped that the Season brings some relief and eases the burdens of life.
Christians welcome the Christmas Season as a time to give thanks and prayers for the Birth and Message of a Palestinian Jew named Jesus Christ. Since Christmas is also a festive occasion, many non-Christians have adopted the occasion to also celebrate the event. In Guyana, Hindus and Muslims join in with equal fervour. It is truly a national occasion. It is to be noted that both Hindu and Muslim holidays, though they can hardly ever match the widespread popularity of Christmas, are also gaining recognition across religions.