The Sunday Mail
This year’s Christmas Day once again demonstrated the resilience of Zimbabweans who despite facing financial challenges managed to celebrate the important day on the Christian calendar.
The majority of the Zimbabwean population is Christian.
Last Thursday, thousands celebrated at most entertainment spots across the country.
A snap survey conducted by The Sunday Mail indicated that merry-making was the order of the day among the old and young, most of them dressed in new outfits, which has become a tradition.
Most businesses enjoyed good sales as demand for various goods and services increased.
In Chitungwiza, thousands were having a good time at popular joints such as Junction 24 and Chikwanha Gardens, among other places.
It was the same story at the popular Mereki in Warren Park, Zindoga in Waterfalls and at Lake Chivero in Norton as people celebrated Christmas.
Famous restaurants were packed.
At churches, people celebrated Christmas Day in style as congregants were worshipping and praising the Lord.
Some people could be seen holding gifts while others were posing for memorable selfies and group photographs.
Zvaanoda Mutsago who was at Chikwanha Gardens with his family said Christmas Day is important and therefore it was a time to spoil his family.
“It is very important for me to spend the day with my family. We rarely have time to do this as we will be hustling to fend for the family,” he said.
Despite the obtaining economic hardships, the Christmas mood was not dampened. Some of the people who spoke to The Sunday Mail said they travelled from South Africa and Europe to be with their families and friends.
Owner of Junction 24, Musoni Madzingira told this publication that business was good.
“Today is a family day. As you can see, everyone is enjoying and for us this is good because our sales also improve.”
At Zindoga in Waterfalls, Philemon Sithole, a middle aged Harare man, said he had made enough savings to spoil his family on Christmas Day.
“Since January, I have been making savings to make sure that I have enough money to spend with my family and friends on this day. The mood is okay and in my view we are having fun in this peaceful country. Some other countries are not enjoying this peace,” he said.
At the popular Lake Chivero, it was a beehive as people from all walks of life celebrated Christmas.
A young man in his late 20s who only identified himself as Ndemera said it is important to relax with friends and families after a year’s hard work.
“We have come to the end of the year and it is important for us to celebrate. Imagine we have been working since January. Today is our resting day,” he said.
