Christmas emerges as a special time filled with communal joy. As families advanced to prepare for the holiday, my Sunday began quietly—a lazy morning, a refreshing shower, and a leisurely breakfast with the comforting sounds of France24 on television and background jazz. The steady hum of my old automatic coffee maker added its melody to the ambience, filling the air with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee—a soundtrack that defines the warmth of home.

I later joined a friend and his three-year-old son at the bustling Century Mall, near the Gurd Shola area. The place is intertwined with the fusion of Western traditions and Ethiopian cultural practices. Massive trees with decoration and lightwork adorn the hallway to the last floor while visitors pose for stylish selfies.

I was curious enough to ask the price for some of the plastic trees ranging from 17,000 Br to 50,000 Br for the one with lighting and a battery-powered Christmas carol. It was unbelievably exorbitant for a relic that would be required only once a year, making me wonder if people will resort to using the natural Juniperus Procera.

The dilemma is ironic as the government works on both planting trees and trying to control the cost of living. These days ecological impacts of chopping down trees for decoration raised concerns, highlighting the need for mindful celebrations in an era focused on afforestation. In an age when both deforestation and inflation seem to strike hard, it might be wise to go easy on the axing of trees and finances for a fleeting festivity.

It might be wise to go easy on the axing of trees and finances for a fleeting festivity.

The holiday atmosphere continued in the children's game zone, teeming with families enjoying quality time. They were oblivious to the trials of the past year and the uncertainties of the one to come, revealing a determination to savour the moment.

A tradition of hockey played during the season and the incorporation of trees into urban celebrations reflected a blend of cultural heritage and global influences.

Ethiopian hockey (Yegena Chaweta) was the highlight of Ethiopian Christmas festivities with some even daring to play it on horseback. It is a national pastime associated with Ethiopian Christmas and spectators flooding into Jan Meda, near the Sidist Kilo area.

An iconic ballad titled Asina Genaye, played by the legendary musician Ferew Hailu is an anthem heard every year. It has famous lyrics that state master and servant are equal showcasing the physical nature of the game with no grudges to be held for kicks during the game. Folklores suggests that some use the occasion to settle scores or old feuds by deliberately hurling the hard ball towards an adversary to inflict injury.

It brought back recollections of childhood celebrations where I played a role in a Christmas-themed drama back in the day. My role was as one of King Herod’s knights when a census and door-to-door search of children in Betelhem was decreed. I uttered my line calmly without looking at the audience which was a thrilling experience.

The melancholic scene is cognizant of the raging war currently happening next door. A broader canvas of global events transcribed in the news cites the dark shadows of ongoing conflicts, serving as a poignant reminder that not everyone can share in the joyous holiday season.