The faint scent of jollof rice and the melody of Christmas carols filled the many streets of the towns and villages of Sierra Leone in the 1980s. Children ran around in excitement, their faces glowing with joy as they held new toys, and parents beamed with pride as they prepared festive meals. It was a time of simplicity, yet one overflowing with warmth, happiness, and togetherness. Christmas in Sierra Leone wasn't about wealth; it was about community, shared love, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Today, those cherished moments feel like remnants of a forgotten past—a Christmas that no longer exists.
The Golden Days of Christmas
Christmas was the highlight of the year for many Sierra Leoneans who grew up in the 1980s or earlier. It wasn't just a day—it was a season filled with anticipation and joy. Preparations began weeks in advance, with families saving up to buy "Christmas dresses" for their children. Communities came alive with lantern processions, masquerade parades, and the sweet sound of "Silent Night" sung in Krio.
"I remember how my mother would bake bread and fry fish," recalls Alimatu, a grandmother from Bo. "We didn't have much, but there was always enough to share with our neighbours. On Christmas Day, we'd gather as a family, go to church, and come home to jollof rice and chicken. We felt rich because we had each other."
Even the poorest families found ways to celebrate. The affordability of food and basic necessities allowed people to experience the magic of the season without breaking the bank. Children eagerly awaited their gifts, often small but meaningful—a plastic car, a doll, or a set of crayons. There was laughter, there was love, and there was hope.
The Reality of Today: A Shadow of the Past
Fast forward to today, and the spirit of Christmas in Sierra Leone feels like a distant memory. The streets of Freetown are no longer adorned with festive lights and decorations. Instead, they are filled with weary faces and voices whispering about rising costs and unpaid bills. Parents who once delighted in surprising their children with gifts now dread the season, knowing they can't afford even the basics.
Amadu, a father of three and a mechanic in Makeni, shares his struggle. "When I was a boy, Christmas was a time of joy. My father would buy us new clothes, and my mother would cook a big feast. Now, I can't even buy a bag of rice. How can I make Christmas special for my children?"
The cost of living has spiraled out of control. A bag of rice that cost a few Leones in the 1980s now requires a month's salary for many families. Chicken, once a staple of Christmas meals, is now a luxury item. The simple act of buying new clothes for children has become an unattainable dream for many.
The Loss of Community Spirit
In the 1980s, Christmas was a time of togetherness. Families, neighbours, and friends would come together to share food, exchange gifts, and celebrate the season. But the economic hardship of today has eroded this sense of community. People are too burdened by their own struggles to extend a hand to others.
"I used to cook extra food for my neighbours on Christmas Day," says Aminata, a widow from Kenema. "Now, I can barely afford to feed my own family. It hurts to see how much we've lost."
The once-vibrant masquerade parades and carol nights have dwindled, replaced by an air of resignation and despair. Children no longer roam the streets with homemade lanterns, and the sound of fireworks that once lit up the night sky is a rare occurrence.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Hardship
Yet, amidst the gloom, there are still glimmers of hope. Churches across Sierra Leone are seeing larger congregations during Christmas services as people turn to faith for solace and strength. For many, the spiritual essence of Christmas remains a source of comfort.
"Christmas is about the birth of Christ," says Pastor Joseph in Kono. "Even in our hardship, we can find joy in the message of hope and salvation."
Some communities are also finding ways to revive the spirit of Christmas through small acts of kindness. In a village outside Freetown, a group of women has started a savings club to help each other buy food and clothes for the season. "It's not much," says Fatmata, one of the organizers, "but it reminds us that we are not alone."
The Call to Remember and Rebuild
The forgotten Christmas in Sierra Leone is a painful reminder of how much the country has changed. The economic struggles, inflation, and societal challenges have stripped away the simple joys that once defined the season. But while the material aspects of Christmas may have faded, the heart of the holiday—a time for love, hope, and togetherness—can still be rekindled.
As Sierra Leoneans, we must ask ourselves: What can we do to bring back the spirit of Christmas? It starts with small gestures—a shared meal, a kind word, a moment of gratitude. It requires communities to come together, not just to celebrate, but to support one another through these difficult times.
A Message for the Future
To those who remember the golden days of Christmas, let us hold onto those memories as a source of inspiration. And to the younger generation, let us show them that Christmas is not just about what we have, but about who we share it with.
The forgotten Christmas may not return overnight, but with resilience, unity, and faith, Sierra Leone can once again find its way back to the joy and happiness that once defined the season. As we look ahead to this Christmas, let us remember the past, face the present, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
As the carols say, "Joy to the world!"—a joy that, despite the hardships, Sierra Leoneans continue to strive for.
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