There was a time when Christmas was the day everyone eagerly looked forward to, both young and old.

Back when today’s millennials were stepping into their youth, Christmas was Christmas, an occasion to end the year in style, with laughs and never-ending fun until the new year beckons.

Over the years, some people have felt that Christmas has lost its charm and is not as exciting as it used to be, at least not in the same way. Many have lost the sentimental value attached to Christmas Chapatis. 

Do you remember how you always looked forward to Christmas? Now Christmas looks forward to you.

It is now becoming a common trend, with the festive season not receiving the same level of appreciation as before. The Gen Z’s, born between 1998 and 2012, are struggling to get the ‘fun’ they had in the past.

Barring the fact that Christmas is the day when the Messiah was born, it was also a time when lots of people would visit their rural areas, carrying various gifts and wearing genuine smiles. It was a complete vibe, making the whole-year wait worthwhile.

Parents, aunties, and uncles would gather in the village during Christmas. There was the stingy uncle from Nairobi, the intoxicated uncle who was always a vibe, the rich aunt who spoiled you and took your side during trouble, and the relative with a commanding aura whom everyone listened to, mainly because they took care of most of the holiday bills.

Now, Gen Z’s are slowly graduating into these aunties, uncles and by large parents. They are in the adulting phase and are finding it difficult to maintain past traditions.

They are now feeling the financial pressure that comes with holiday spending, particularly if they have become parents. Adulting looks fun until it no longer isn’t. It comes with a lot of responsibility.

“I do feel some pressure when the holidays approach. Being an adult, I am expected to send some money to my parents back at home for their Christmas,” says a 28-year-old in an interview with a local media house.

“It’s barely 5 months since I moved out to my own place and let me tell you, the independence I longed for isn’t as easy and fun as I expected. A lot has changed in terms of decision-making, setting priorities and even responsibilities,” added another.

A section of Kenyan youth have become first-time parents this year. This means that they could be celebrating their holidays with in-laws. They would also need to take into account some holiday expenses for their child.

“My duties have changed since I became a parent, unlike before when it was just me, myself and I. Now I have to think about my baby, what she will wear and how to make her Christmas memorable,” one Kenyan mother said.

Here are memories of Christmas as recalled by some Kenyan millennials. It was more than just a time for creating nostalgic, lifelong memories:

Sefu Sabila

Back in the day, Christmas was one holiday we longed for since it was the only time we could visit ushago in Kabras. Grandma’s hut would be full of cousins who stay in distant towns.

My dad would get us new clothes for Christmas and the new year. I can’t remember the last time I got myself an outfit for Christmas. These were the good old days. 

On the eve of the 31st, we would sing songs beating water cans as drums along the road or to the streams. A ritual we were told drowned all the evil for the year down the stream and welcomed a new beginning.

After throwing away the water cans, you would run home without looking back. I doubt if this fun still exists. 

Bullfighting was also something to look forward to on every first of January. Waking up at 5 am to go watch the bulls get hyped by the traditional songs and catch a great spot to watch without being at risk of being knocked down by the bull.

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Jean Fraser

Since we were living in the city, I would be looking forward to visiting our home up-country once schools closed.  We would come back a day before schools opened, and guess what, our friends would be eagerly waiting for us to plug them with the freshest guavas from the village

Beryl Malikhu

I also miss the joy that came with the Christmas carols competitions which we called ‘malako.’  We carried trophies and were given snacks like sweets. We sang along the road for everybody to know we were the champs

I used to sing choir in church. I could sing heavens down in tenor and churchmates were not pleased when I left.

I do miss the New Year adventures with my family and the fact that my parents always got to buy me clothes for the two days was always one of my best moments of the holiday. We also don’t decorate homes anymore as we used to

Well, change is inevitable, right? But at what price? Losing the Christmas and New Year spirit? Had Jesus been born today, the 3 wise men would have most likely followed a pinned location to his exact birthplace. Change in the modern times.

Take this Christmas season to share your childhood memories with your loved ones and even children.