Reflections: Christmas 2012

So exactly a week ago i received an unexpected “What’s App” message from someone who reminded me to “Enjoy the holidays”. At the time, i was like “Yeah right, what’s there to enjoy about working a 16hr day on the 25^th of December 2012?” I must admit that in the days leading up to Christmas my “Holiday Cheer” was non-existent. 

However, this Christmas turned out to be symphony that was penned in heaven itself. We had the privilege of hosting some really good family friends; the Chibotas. My dad and uncle Ken are a testimony of a friendship that has stood the test of time. These two remarkable men have been friends since the mid-sixties when then met in Form 1. That’s a friendship that has spanned some 40-something years. It’s a friendship that i would say was forged in heaven, as it has grown and remained relevant in all this time. What is especially amazing to me is that it has been transferred to their wives, as well as to us their children (six in total between them, three girls, three boys). This Christmas it was the parents & the three girls as the boys are all over-seas. It was a time reminiscent of Christmases spent together when we were younger (1990 in Harare & 1996 in Nyanga stand out the most). It was a blessed time of sharing, eating and praying together.

The Chibotas were in Swaziland for seven days, but i only managed to spend three days with them. We had an especially special time together in those three days. Amazing how now that we’re all grown-up our relationships as friends have also grown. Even the way we relate to our parents has been dynamically transformed. It was interesting to watch soccer (Boxing Day) and “talk shop” with the dads. Uncle Ken was especially interested in my work, the details of my job and my career in general, (he runs his own company in Zim). Then there were the serious heart to hearts with the “sisters”, coupled with a few “pretty pink drinks” and giggles. I had the privilege of getting to know my little sister Runyararo (she’s the youngest of all six kids), who has grown into a beautiful and accomplished young woman . I had last seen her when she was in Form 4 (16yrs old). Now she is 23 yrs old and a recent UCT Graduate. Wow, i truly enjoyed her company and crazy antics (i blame it on the 4^th Street “Wine Drink”). We’ve since made plans for me to visit her in Cape Town sometime in April; can’t wait! J And how can i forget the special conversation on Sunday (23^rd) afternoon with the moms who decided to impart some wisdom on what it means to be “good and godly wife” (for the record I was ambushed into this conversation). Both my mom and auntie Jen are marriage counsellors and decided they should share some horror stories of young marriages ending up on the rocks. These cautionary tales were meant to highlight the common pitfalls of “African (or should i say Shona) Marriages in the 21^st Century” so that as their daughters we can hopefully avoid them. Heavy for a Sunday afternoon; but a blessing nonetheless. Interesting though; since all 3 of us (the girls) are currently single – maybe they were being prophetic...lol.

Friday the 28^th of December was the second instalment of our “Post-Xmas” Xmas Dinner with my girlfriends. What a night! Copious amounts of really, really good food (from start to finish). The dish of the night (for me at least) had to be my sister’s “Chilli-Cheese-Garlic Bread”. Loyce who was the self-appointed DJ was spinning Old-Skool tracks like “Weekend Special” by Brenda Fassie. I was amazed that we all knew the lyrics, (which we probably committed to memory back in the mid-90s when we were children watching “Mbvenge Mbvenge” on ZBC in Zim). Prisca was the camera lady, video/photo she had them all covered. Vimbai became the “Dance-master” whilst Prim and I provided some comedy relief. The night was fun, as much fun as five women who’ve had a tough year and want to cut loose can get up to... This is a new tradition that i hope we can keep going for as long we’re all in the same postal code. It was a celebration of life and friends; a memorable night.

So, i guess i did enjoy the holidays (thoroughly). I was working every single one of these days, but i somehow managed to find a “balance”, and actually celebrate this season with those that are nearest and dearest to me.  As 2012 is about to give way to 2013, i can say that Christmas 2012 has been the “cherry on top” of an interesting year. What memories to end off with!