It’s that time of the year again: that season when love pervades the atmosphere, and bonds are formed and new relationships are birthed. Whether newly-engaged or married, there is a special reason to be even more grateful for one’s state of being during this Christmas season. It will be the season of many firsts to come, as, for the first time, many couples will be continuing traditions of the old and creating new traditions and memories together with love at the centre of it all.
For some, like Timothy and Rachael Jaikarran, their journey as husband and wife will be entering uncharted territory, as they would be spending their first Christmas together. Many would remember the couple featured in Guyana Times 2021 Valentine’s Day edition. Back then they were engaged, but they have since tied the knot on August 7, 2021, and has been enjoying four blissful months of marriage.
For Timothy and Rachael, it was not always a fairy tale. The couple have had their share of hardships in their relationship, but they nevertheless made it work. They met in church, and became friends; and the rest is history, as they started “talking”, and from there it led them to the altar. But before marriage, spending Christmas was a bit different, as the couple would only have a couple of hours outside of church on Christmas Day to spend time with each other, and after that, a few moments of video chatting before going off to spend time with their respective families.
Timothy and Rachael Jaikarran tied the knot on August 7, 2021
This newspaper sat down with the couple and “picked their brain” as to what new traditions they would be setting, and what they are expecting for the holidays.
Q: What was it like
before you were married?
Timothy: “I remember it like it was yesterday. We didn’t get much time with each other, but we longed for the day when we would be able to spend that quality time together. We knew that for that to happen, we had to remain strong, because everything in life is all about patience, and it is my belief that good things come to those who wait; and it did. As you can see, I’m spending my first Christmas with the woman of my dreams.”
Q: Who is going to be
doing most of the cooking?
Rachael: “My husband decided that he would be doing most of the cooking, since he loves to be in the kitchen at Christmas. However, we have prepared a list of dishes and agreed on who would be responsible for preparing each dish. While one would be focused on the main course, the other would focus on the desserts and drinks.
Q: How do you plan on spending time with both families?
Rachael: “We have prepared a schedule that would allow us to share our time with both families. Christmas Day will be spent with my in-laws, while the next day will be spent with my family.”
Q: How are you going to manage the merging of two traditions this year?
Timothy: “I understand that spending our first Christmas together means that we both would have different ideas on how to celebrate this festive occasion. So, for us, what we have planned on doing is making a compromise mixed with combination. Each of us would be bring out the best of our traditions and combining them. For example, with the food, the dishes are a mixture of her and me combined. Decorating and shopping etc, we have merged those, so each person would feel at home without having to say the other is being one-sided.”
Q: Are there any traditions you are upkeeping this year?
Timothy: “Listen, traditions are a must. There are traditions of old, and then there are traditions that we as a couple are going to make. Not saying that old traditions are bad, but we have the option of making our own and enjoying it to our hearts’ content. We intend to go carolling this year. Despite the COVID-19, we can still carol in a safe way while observing all the necessary protocols. We are going to go on romantic evenings, cooking in the kitchen together, and a plethora of other things.”
The couple sharing a moment
The couple explained that it’s a joy and privilege to be spending the first Christmas together, as it allows them to appreciate each other’s traditions along with the company of their respective family and friends. They have said that spending quality time with the one you love is something that everyone must aspire to experience, as it is the best feeling in the world, knowing that you will be able to spend forever with your better half.
The couple have further advised that for those who are going to be spending their first Christmas together, the key is to not just be loving because of the season, but have the same love for your partner all 365 days of the year. They noted that nothing is perfect, but with God as your example, always maintaining a positive mentality and togetherness, any problem can be overcome.
The Jaikarrans’ parting words were, “We just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a productive 2022.”
