Trends during the festive season in Uganda have over the years stayed largely the same, albeit with a few tweaks and modifications. This year, with the pandemic still looming large, will definitely see a few tweaks to the patterns that we’ve grown accustomed to during Christmas seasons past. However, there are some aspects and trends that aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Below are some of them;

Carols & Songs: Boney M, Mariah Carey, Philly Bongoley Lutaaya. These 3 have one thing in common: their Christmas songs and/or albums are played in constant rotation during Christmas. Move around town and you’ll hear their melodic voices echoing from every arcade in town. If the Christmas mood doesn’t hit you when you listen to their songs, you need help.

Shopping:  Bargain hunting and shopping for the best deals on the market is a popular thing to do during Christmas. As kids, it was the one time of the year we would finally get some new clothes and shoes to fit the occasion. It’s not just clothes though, as a number of stores (online and traditional) give discounts on select items ranging from electronics to food. And speaking of…

Food: What’s Christmas without food? Heck, what’s life without food? I think a lot of people will agree with me when I say Christmas Day lunch is one of the most anticipated meals of the year. Just the thought of a table on which a variety of meats, veggies and drinks are spread is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. I mean, need I say more?

Being With Family & Friends: You would think the presence of COVID-19 would deter Ugandans from travelling to the village for Christmas, right? Ha! Wrong. People are definitely driving upcountry to be with their relatives during the festive season this year, and you can bank on it. We can all agree, it’s been a hard year so the presence of family will do much soul healing. That aside, it’s always great to reconnect with loved ones and what better time to reconnect with family than during Christmas? This is a trend that, even as it steadily dwindles, is still an important part of the festive season for many Ugandans. Just to remind you, just because its family it doesn’t mean they are immune to COVID19. Please wear your masks, sanitize and do all that’s necessary to keep safe.

Church: I mean, this is after all a Christian holiday so there has to be an element of church in it. Christians, devout or otherwise, flock their local churches all over the country to sing carols, listen to the Christmas message from the preacher and to remember the reason for the season; the birth of Jesus Christ. Even that one neighbour of yours that never goes to church chooses to dress up for his yearly appearance before God.

So there you have it, some of the hottest trends to expect during the festive season. While you celebrate, please stay safe. Unlike you, COVID-19 isn’t taking a Christmas break so keep putting on your mask, washing your hands regularly with soap and water, plus observing social distancing. Merry Christmas to you all.