Christmas, with its glittering lights and joyful carols, has always been a time to reconnect. It is a season to embrace love, share laughter, and weave memories that linger for a lifetime. Yet in our modern, tech-driven world, something precious seems to have slipped through our fingers. What was once a celebration of togetherness has, for many, become an exercise in digital convenience. From AI-generated greeting cards to streaming carols online, our gadgets have taken center stage, quietly pushing aside the heartwarming magic of physical connection.
This year, as the festive spirit envelops us, it is worth pausing to reflect: has technology made our Christmas richer, or has it quietly stolen the soul of the season? Perhaps it is time to reclaim the holiday by turning off our devices and rediscovering the beauty of human touch. Imagine the kind of Christmas where gadgets are left in drawers, and the only screens we see are the windows framing golden sunsets over the slopes of Mount Kenya, or the greenery of Limuru’s tea fields.
Christmas does not need to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most precious memories are made in the smallest moments. Christmas carols during gatherings makes the experience magical. Watching little children and parents singing melodiously together, free from the interruptions of gadgets, is a moment of pure joy. The carols, carried by human voices, reminded us of the true essence of the season: connection, simplicity, and shared joy.
Let us take inspiration from moments and imagine Christmas mornings filled with the chatter of children running free in rural fields. Take the kids to visit their grandparents, let them play in the dirt, and watch their faces light up as they get caught in the rain while planting. These are the memories that will outlast any game they might play on a tablet. Picture a quiet sunrise on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kisumu, the water sparkling as if the stars have scattered themselves across its surface. There is no need to capture it for social media—its beauty lies in its fleeting presence, enjoyed in stillness and silence.
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Kenyan traditions offer countless opportunities to unplug and embrace the magic of simplicity. Cook as a family, with everyone pitching in to prepare the chapatis, roast the nyama choma, or grind the spices for tea. Take long walks in the hills of Kericho, or along the dusty paths of rural villages, letting the greenery and open skies remind you of life’s simple pleasures. Bring back the fun of playing games that don’t need batteries or Wi-Fi. Let the children learn the joy of games like bano (marbles), kati (dodgeball), or tapo. Sit together for rounds of snakes and ladders, shake, scrabble, or even a lively game of cha mama na cha baba, where kids mimic daily life roles with playful abandon.
Teach them simple outdoor games like sticks, which involves drawing lines in the dirt and testing each other’s skill and strategy. Let them sing and dance to timeless tunes like Bublican Buplican Number 28 (never mind the original song was- public van public van number 28), Nyama Nyama Nyama, or even the playful songs you once belted out during your own childhood. These games and songs are more than just activities—they are a connection to our shared past and a gift to the next generation.
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If there is one challenge we could all take up this Christmas, it is to go offline. Turn off the Wi-Fi, set aside the gadgets, and focus on creating memories that screens cannot capture. The first few hours without screens might feel awkward, but soon, the richness of real connection will take over. You will notice the sparkle in a child’s eyes, the deep timbre of a loved one’s laugh, and the comforting silence of simply being together.
As the day winds down and the Kenyan sun sets over tea fields, beaches, and bustling markets, let us hold our loved ones close and remember: the true gift of Christmas is not something we can wrap, stream, or generate with AI. It is found in the warmth of a hug, the echo of laughter, and the unspoken love that lingers in the air.
This year, let us turn off our gadgets and turn on the magic of touch, love, and laughter. May you and your loved ones enjoy a gadget-free Christmas, filled with the beauty of human connection, the joy of giving, and the magic of being truly present.
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By William Mwangi
The writer is the Crawford International School Principal-Senior School.
