Celebrities share their best and worst Christmas

Christmas should invoke happy memories. Memories of happy moments spent with family, friends and relatives. But this is never really always the case. Accidents, bereavements and foul weather are but just examples of what can put a damper on the festive season.

Others include terrible hotel service or a flat tyre in the middle of the midnight on a stormy night with wailing sleepy kids. Going to the village to spend time with relatives has its own challenges of ‘being used,’ not forgetting a few traditional drinks inspiring aunt Karima to reveal family secrets of how ‘unstable’ and an alcoholic uncle Gachiri was bewitched to sell ancestral land and disinherit his siblings.

Here are the best and worst Christmas holidays some celebs and prominent personalities endured.

Victor Kanyari (pastor and self-proclaimed prophet):Miracle scandal ruined my Christmas Controversial pastor, Victor Kanyari, says his best Christmas was in 2005 when he started his own church, Salvation Healing Ministry.

“There were very many people in church, about 1,500. That was a huge number for a first-timer. That’s also when we started appearing on TV. I was very happy,” he says.

His worst was in 2014 when he was shadowed by a scandal about how he ‘cons’ people in church with ‘fake miracles’ and ask ‘extort’ panda mbegu money from faithfuls.

“Everyone left me and so I decided to take my family to Thailand. I was really stressed, but after one week, I was able to go back to my normal life,” he says, adding that he plans to donate geometric sets and books to schools in Kayole this December.

Shaffie Weru (radio presenter): Best Christmas was when I was mama’s boy

Bad boy Shaffie Weru claims the only difference between his best and worst Christmas is that he grew up and had more responsibilities.

“My best Christmas was when I was still mama’s boy without responsibilities. I got new clothes, shoes and had BBQ... not at my cost. I was a happy-go-lucky guy,” reminisces the radio presenter.

His worst Christmas was when he moved out of his mother’s house. “I have to buy and pay for BBQ lunches during Christmas and get gifts for everyone. It’s an expensive affair,” he says. He reveals that he plans to spend this Christmas with his extended family.

Alexandros Konstantaras (actor/filmmaker): We spent the whole Christmas night crying Alexandros who has in the past spent his Christmas in his home country Greece, says he looks forward to spending time with wife Lizz Njaga’s family.

“This will actually be my best Christmas as we will spend a week in Mombasa. It will be my first family-oriented Christmas in Kenya. In the past, it has always been with friends.”

His worst Christmas was in 1999 when he was in the army in Greece. “I did not get Christmas Day off, so I spent it in the camp with total strangers. I had only been there for three months and unfortunately, I only had one friend. We spent the whole Christmas night crying and missing our families. We did not even have mobile phones, so you can imagine how terrible that was.”

Senator Joy Gwendo (nominated senator): Being Senator made my Xmas Joy Gwendo will never forget the 2013 Christmas. She had just been nominated as a senator. “You see, my wish and dream all along has been to be able host a big Christmas bash and buy people gifts. That year, we had a big thanksgiving party and it felt so nice that I could share.”

Her worst Christmas was in 1998 when she lost her father.

“I had just finished Form Four and then he passed on December 5. It was the first Christmas without him.”

John Kiarie (former comedian-cum-creative director): Chapo was like a sacrament ‘KJ’ believes that all the Christmas he celebrated as a kid were great.

“We were eight children. During Christmas, we all wore similar clothes. Clothes were made purposely for that season. So we would go to the village looking all glamorous and shiny. It was also the only time you could eat chapo. Chapo was like sacrament. We really longed for Christmas,” he shares.

His worst was in 2007 when he lost the elections. “I believe I won the Dagoretti parliamentary seat and even went to pick the certificate that would have declared me the winner. Then things just happened. It was such a trying time for me.”

Benjamin Ayimba (Kenya Sevens rugby coach): No worst Christmas for me Benjamin Ayimba is always on the road with the rugby team and hence, a little family time does the magic. “Christmas usually comes for me after the rugby circuits and I rarely do much.

Usually, I stay indoors. Fortunately, I spend every Christmas with my family and that’s what I appreciate most about the day. The time I spend with my family after rugby tournaments and just being at home brings enough joy,” he says. He adds that, “I don’t have a worst Christmas.”

Gor Semelang’o (businessman): Needy villagers ruined my Christmas The philanthropic entrepreneur says his best Christmas was when he spent time with the less fortunate. “My best Christmas was last year when I visited Maji Mazuri Children’s Home and had a very nice time with the children there.”

Gor’s worst Christmas was in 2011. “I went to the village hoping to rest, but I was bombarded by villagers who wanted money and had all sorts of problems that they expected me to solve.”

Teacher Wanjiku (comedienne): My worst was the best Carol Wanjiku Ber says her worst Christmas turned out to be her best. “I remember I was supposed to do a show, so I cancelled everything, including plans with family. Unfortunately, when I got to the venue, I found out that they had also cancelled the show, but did not bother to inform me. Luckily, just like any other girl, I had a backup plan. I visited my family who live in Naivasha and had a very nice time,” she says.

Esther Wahome (gospel musician): Honeymoon over Xmas was unforgettable Gospel singer Esther Wahome’s best Christmas was in 1994. “I cannot forget that day, 19 years ago. I spent it out of the country with my husband on our honeymoon following our wedding ceremony. It was the best ever!” says the Kuna Dawa singer.

She says she has no worst Christmas because all her childhood Christmas ceremonies were similar. “Everything was the same and just good, as long as I had new shoes or dress.”