Sekukulu is a time for celebration, giving, and connection with family and friends. However, for some believers, lurking beneath the display of decorations and the joy of Christmas, is a keg of stress, anxiety, and emotional upheaval on the verge of eruption. The festive season’s emphasis on socializing, gift-giving, and merriment can intensify emotions of inadequacy, loneliness, and sadness. Coupled with the pressure to put on a happy face, participate in festivities, and meet societal expectations, it can all be overwhelming, leading to symptoms of depression.
The emphasis on gift-giving, hosting, and attending social events oftentimes leads to financial strain and a sense of obligation. These stressors can culminate in feelings of burnout, irritability, and emotional exhaustion. The constant stream of curated holiday posts on social media creates unrealistic comparisons, leading to feelings of inadequacy, and isolation, even among those surrounded by loved ones.
What we see our friends, work colleagues, and acquaintances post online, showcasing seemingly perfect holiday celebrations, can sometimes prompt us to share a fabricated, unreal version of ourselves, one we ourselves acknowledge as false.
Over the ‘feast-ive’ season, overindulgence in food and drink is commonplace, with many Christians bingeing on buffets and invalidating a misconceived notion of the starving in Africa. It is that time of the year that throwing caution to the wind, as far as gorging is concerned, is acceptable. Even the fear of indigestion, stomach cramps, constipation, and epic hangovers hardly scares off merrymakers.
Although the holiday season can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be. Planning ahead, opting for healthier meal options, limiting the intake of sugary or high calory treats, staying hydrated – drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps control hunger and reduces cravings for unhealthy snacks, and going slow on the brew, goes a long way in averting the Christmas blues.
The festive season is also a period of excess that is characterized by waste. Food waste is a considerable problem during the holiday season. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted each year, which is about one-third of all food produced each year.
Freezing left-over meat, vegetables, and soups to enjoy over the following weeks is a step in the right direction against food wastage. Transforming left-over Christmas dinner into new meals (Katogo) for a hearty breakfast and lunch the following day is another step in the right direction.
Repurpose, and store Christmas decorations for reuse the next year. For those ‘unwanted’ gifts, regift to someone who may appreciate them or donate to a charity that caters to the needy.
On the whole, Tis the season to be jolly, Tis the season for Katujaguze, for Sekukulu, it is the season for Zukuka, and Bony M’s Mary’s Boy Child. Make sure to you thank the Good Lord for bringing you thus far, to make merry and be a blessing to another human being. A Merry Christmas to you all.
Christmas Tree Hack
Christmas feels incomplete without a tree straight from nature, however, a freshly cut Christmas tree has a significant downfall, it dries up relatively quickly. With this hack, you can be able to stretch it throughout the entire holiday season and avoid having a tree with drooping needles even before Christmas Eve.
Boil water and fill it into the container set to carry the Christmas tree. The idea is to make sure the sap does not get hard, leaving the water to get up the bark, and keeping it fresh and alive.
Cold water clogs the opening with sap and the tree begins to die quickly. The hot water also releases a fragrance of the natural tree, filling your home with a nice holiday smell. Some people advise adding a cup of sugar to the water to boost the longevity of its scent.
You only have to use the hot water the first time, and from then on, keep the reservoir filled with cold water. Don’t allow your tree to lack at all; it will last you throughout the holiday.Â
