Christmas is around the corner, I have heard from many people that this year was not the best for them. So, we would assume that last year or the year before were better, but I have heard the same statement over and over. And the world does not seem to show signs of improving any time soon.
But let us look at the bright side of this, children seem to still take this season very seriously and await with impatience the arrival of Father Christmas bringing them all sort of goodies they have been wishing to have. I know some children who start their new wish list as soon as they open this Christmas’s gifts, but the question that always comes to mind, is there still that shine in the eyes of today’s children like the one we had when we received the simplest gifts when we were young?
In countries with less privileged populations, this joy may still be there, but in places where children’s toys fill up houses and backyards, the story is quite different. The story does not stop here.
Today, families wish their children played with toys like we used to do before. Technology has advanced so fast and furious that children of very young age demand toys with electronic gadgets. A simple Lego has no place on the wish list, it has to turn into something else, trucks that transform into monsters , a fish that turns into a piranha with deadly teeth that will consume all others, scary dolls and alien looking teddy bears.
Even when I personally try to look for a toy gift for a young nephew or niece, my mind cannot accept simple gifts because I know they have it all. So, I end up buying them a T-shirt or another sort of clothing. At least I know the mother will be happy to take it off her shopping list.
As for the older children, especially boys, video games, phones and tablets are on top of the list, latest models of course. Once, a friend told me that her son who is academically gifted, is not being as appreciated because the boys with the best gadgets are the most popular. Everyone wants to be their friend and spend afternoons with them playing video games at their house.
Young girls seem to be more attracted to TikTok. They are hooked to certain fashionistas and influencers;their dresscode and general behaviour follows the trends that they bring online. Of course, these are not trends that are set by them but smart adults who are playing the game from behind the scenes. These adults have 100 percent interest in their own pockets.
What I like about Christmas in Luxembourg are the lights, and there seem to be many of them, very high Christmas trees set up beautifully in two zones of the city, one in the centre and the other in the area of the train station. Under these trees and alongside the main roads, food and gift booths are provided.
Almost the same vendors every year, with the food items such as crispy potato fritters, and Christmas sausages being the most sought after. All are served with a warm wine drink, quite symbolic of the season. Of course, it all comes at a price. A basic sausage will set you back Shs25,000 and the same goes for the famous Belgian waffles.
These markets are also a good place to select gifts for friends and family!