Christmas is finally here and we all know the hype that comes with it. There are usually parties all over town; some animals will face the knife. Others will see the front door of a church for the first time this year, whereas some will at no cost leave their homes unless they absolutely have to.

The holiday rush will be high and Christmas jams will take over from mainstream music. As we prepare for Christmas cookies, The Sound of Music for the umpteenth time and some presents, some people share what they plan to do this Christmas, writes Dean Karemera.

Jay Polly – Hip-Hop artiste

I will be with my family although some of them are Muslims; it’s usually good to be with family. Other than that, I will be performing at King James’ album launch in Musanze district. On my way back, I intend to buy gifts for my family.

Cynthia "Ginty” Umurungi - Programs manager, Magic FM

Christmas is usually a time to spend with family. I’ll go to church; I will spend time and have lunch with my family. Later I intend to prepare for a guest I’ll be receiving on Boxing Day. That’s pretty much what I’ll be doing.

Hon. Connie Bwiza – Member of Parliament

Most definitely I will go to church and thereafter be with my family. But for me, I don’t take Christmas as just a day of enjoyment; I usually use it as a time to reflect on life, spiritually and psychologically. As a Christian and believer, I take time to reflect on my relationship with God, my friends and my workmates. I also evaluate what I have done this year, my failures, achievements and lay my plans for the coming year in God’s hands.

Hope Azeda - Writer /Director, Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company

I will be spending time with my family. I usually reserve enough time for my daughters, husband and my parents. I will also go to the village to visit my mother-in-law and my parents. Christmas is incomplete if I don’t go to the village, eat maize and visit relatives. Basically for me, it’s all about family.

Jody Phibi – Musician

I will definitely be spending time with my family. It is like a get-together where we share lunch or dinner and pray together. Later in the evening, I’ll be working. I will be performing at KGL restaurant and bar at the Ladies Night Affair. Sometimes it is really hard for a musician not to work during the festive season. I also intend to spend time with my fans.

Alain Numa - Promotions/Sponsorships Coordinator – MTN Rwanda

Well, I will go to church on Christmas Eve to wait for baby Jesus. Then on Christmas Day, I will go to church in the morning and later, at my restaurant in Gikondo, we shall be sharing lunch with street kids. After lunch, I will go out of town with my family and return on Friday.

Albert Rudatsimburwa - Founder and Director, Contact FM

I’m the last person to ask anything about Christmas because I’m not into it. I find it more of a marketing strategy to make money. Well, my son is coming so I think I will spend some time with my family but I don’t recognise Christmas. At the end of the year, I usually sit with my wife and children and share stories. It is usually the time I get to spend with them because I’m always on the move.