What do you call a baby born on Christmas Day? What is it like to be born on Christmas Day? Are Christmas babies special? Or, better still, what’s it like to give birth around Christmas? Getting to experience bringing a baby into the world during "the most wonderful time of the year” is an unmatched kind of joy, parents told The New Times.
ALSO READ: How Christmas celebrations unfolded in Kigali
Jacqueline Uwayezu, 40, a resident of Nduba Sector, Gasabo District, welcomed her fifth child, a boy, at around 3 a.m on Christmas Day. She was beaming with happiness at the thought of giving birth on Christmas Day when The New Timesinterviewed her in Kibagabaga hospital, one of the medical facilities in the City of Kigali.
ALSO READ: Gospel musician Gentil Misigaro lights up Christmas service in Kigali
For her, it was not just any ordinary day as Christmas holds a special place in her heart.
She said: "I am overjoyed to have given birth on Christmas once again, just as I did last year. However, last year was filled with sorrow as the baby I delivered was stillborn. This time, it’s a completely different experience, filled with nothing but joy and gratitude."
ALSO READ: Passengers in Kigali scramble for upcountry-bound buses on Christmas Eve
"I decided to name my newborn Noel Irimaso, as he was born on Christmas Day! I am overwhelmed with happiness that my baby shares a birthday with Jesus Christ, in whom I place all my trust and faith."
‘God answered my prayers in the most wonderful way’
Violette Ahiboneye, 26, a resident of Kimironko Sector in Gasabo District, gave birth to a baby boy she named Declan Ahirwe at 6 a.m.
She also expressed joy, saying, "It is truly a joyous occasion to give birth on the same day Jesus Christ was born, a day that holds such spiritual and emotional significance for so many mothers."
"It is a blessing to those of us who have unwavering faith in Him [Jesus], just like I do. I had been praying endlessly to give birth on this very day, and God, in His grace, has answered my prayers in the most wonderful way."
Claudine Nyiransabimana, a 32-year-old woman who also gave birth to a baby boy on Christmas Day at 00:00 a.m., expressed her happiness, saying, "I was thrilled to bring a baby boy into the world on Christmas, a day universally associated with children, joy, and blessings."
"As a devout Christian, it is incredibly significant and meaningful to me to give birth on such a holy and revered day as Christmas."
‘I delivered a beautiful baby girl, and I like to think of her as Jesus’ sister’
In Muhima Hospital, Adelphine Niyokwizerwa, a resident of Rugarika Sector, in Kamonyi District, was beaming with joy after delivering her second child, a girl. Her husband had not yet arrived and they were yet to name the child. But he was on his way, and she was so happy.
She said: "It feels truly wonderful to give birth on the same day that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is honoured. I delivered a beautiful baby girl, and I like to think of her as Jesus’ sister. The thought is heartwarming and surprising to me."
"This is my second time becoming a mother, and it feels like an even more extraordinary experience than the first. The significance of giving birth on such a special day adds a profound layer of joy and amazement."
‘It feels like a divine gift from God’
In one of the maternity wards inside Kacyiru Hospital, Samson Uzayisenga, a 30-year-old man from Gatsibo District, could hardly contain his excitement as he spoke about the birth of his first child. The child’s mother was resting as The New Times spoke to the exuberant father.
"It means the world to me to have my firstborn child arrive on Christmas Day at 1 a.m," he beamed.
"We were blessed with a beautiful baby girl whom we have named Precious Kundwa. It feels like a divine gift from God Himself to have her born on this sacred day. It is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Aline Iradukunda, a 22-year-old resident of Gatenga Sector in Kigali’s Kicukiro District, shared her feelings too about the birth of her first born, a boy.
She said: "I would have been happy to give birth on any day, and I had been praying solely, and fervently, for the good health and well-being of my baby. To give birth on Christmas Day is a blessing I could not have imagined!"
"I am overjoyed to have brought a child into this world, with my loving husband by my side. The joy of welcoming a new life on such a meaningful day is beyond words."