Dec is here, bring the party on

By Chiquita

Every year Kenyans who have been working their butts off, whether in school or offices,  give a huge sigh of relief when December first rolls in.

Suddenly the concerns that had bedevilled them throughout the year seem small and miniscule and for most, it’s time for fun and reconnection. So how does a typical December look to Kenyans?

Let’s break it down.

November 30

 Tentative plans begin being laid out. The idea of travel is suddenly the top most on the agenda, whether it’s to the coast or upcountry to visit the folks.

People begin preparing the December budgets meticulously. Travel bookings are made early because nobody wants to be on the news come December 25 complaining about hiked fares and plaintively pleading ‘Serikali itusaidie’. 

November 30 also means the end of the year to some people because from December 1, work transforms into family commitments and plans with friends one has not seen in a while.

December 15 — 20

This is the time of the year that monthly events get packed, organizers know nobody will be looking for any type of sinful fun on December 25 so it’s best to plan their events early and at the same time give themselves a Christmas break.

Around this time, church pews also begin filling up as people begin to acknowledge that indeed it has been a trying year and making it this far does not mean they will survive the remaining 20 days; prayers are needed.

December 25 — 27

Unless you work in those industries that somehow manage to party poop every major holiday, December 25 is a time for family. This is why phone lines are usually jammed by Kenyans calling from the Diaspora to talk to their families and vice versa. It  is also a time when tentative new year plans begin to be placed in action. Boxing Day is a day of rest before the party begins in earnest.   Most people have put aside a little money just to bring in New Years’ eve in style and the party fever begins to mount.

Dec ember 29 — January 1

By  December 29, most Kenyans have decided where they will spend their New Year whether it’s with family, in church or in the clubs, which have already advertised their various new year  events. In the words of Keith Murray, “It’s gonna be a party ya’ll”. 

If you were planning on club-hopping, expect tightly packed clubs and hiked cab fares. The Al Shabaab threats may have an effect on where people choose to go and the amount of security needed, but it will be hard to really dampen party spirits.

This is the time children get shipped off to their grandparents so their parents can shake a leg.

January 1 onwards

January is a dry month, whatever way you look at it. It brings with it the reality of a new year and the daily grind. Food needs to be bought and children need to go back to school. The contrast with December is quite sharp and apparently, this is the best time to go on leave if you are a Kenyan artiste since the gigs will be few and far between.

Have a safe and happy festive season. CHIQUITTA