Originally composed in August 1994, “All I want for Christmas is You” is perhaps one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. In the melodious rendition, RnB “Songbird Supreme” and “Queen of Christmas” Mariah Carey, speaks to how she seeks to celebrate love in the Christmas spirit. But of all holidays of the year, why Christmas?
Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, welcomed by brimming smiles and hearty laughter. The bright decorative lights on our homes are perhaps a signal that the long, chilly year has ended. The code of generosity, kindness, and charity toward others is enforced most, during this season. Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit.
We feel more kind towards one another. We reach out in love to help those less fortunate. Our hearts are softened. Enemies are forgiven, and friends are remembered. Even though Christmas has a religious connotation, it’s the Christmas Spirit for me. It is evidenced best in a generous heart. It shines out with stark clarity in the lives of those who possess it. Yes, the ultimate Christmas spirit hinges on our behaviour as a people and how we treat each other.
2022 was a momentous year for the Rotaract Club of Nairobi Central. It’s the year we went a notch higher in amplifying our impact in ourselves and in the communities which we live and work in. Together, we pulled a “Grand Comeback” by transitioning to in-person fellowships after a two-year hiatus. We contributed approximately USD250 to the Rotary Foundation in a bid to make the world a better place. We honed professional and leadership skills. Over and above everything else, we grew in our friendships, enjoyed fulfilling fellowship and had immense fun while at it. So, after such a successful year, what can we do to make a difference this Christmas?
Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.
– Janice Maeditere
Friends in service, let this Christmas be a time to reflect on how we treat each other. A reflection of the love and selflessness as embodied by the Rotary mantra of “People Helping People”. We are called to be joyful, charitable, generous, empathetic, goodwill, and forgiving. This is the true spirit of Christmas which supports the principles and values of Rotary.
So, stemming from the reign of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, all I want for Christmas is for you to:
- Live each day with gratitude
- Develop a sense of purpose
- Recharge your willpower
- Cherish your young years
- Serve others diligently
- Sweeten the self-talk
- Brush aside vanity
- Never stop trying
- Keep the faith
I wanna say I lived each day until I die. And know that I meant something in somebody’s life. The hearts I have touched will be the proof that I leave that I made a difference, and this world will see, I was here. I lived, I loved
– Beyonce, 2011
As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us in our life and leverage empathy and gratitude as our true north. And when that time comes for us to leave this mortal world, we will walk shoulders high knowing that we did our best, brought someone some happiness, and left this world a little better just because we were here.
To all our members, guests, alumni, and partners in service, we are eternally grateful for your cordial support and patronage throughout this year. We look forward to furthering mutual engagements in the New Year!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Happy Holidays!
Article by:
Rtr. Steve Maina – Team Lead 2022/23
Rtr. Loise Macharia – Vice President 2022/23
