The Christmas anticipation in Venezuela: a celebration without joy or resources.

As December approaches, the festive atmosphere that normally characterizes this time of year seems to be rapidly fading in Venezuela. The recent decision by President Nicolás Maduro to move up the Christmas celebration to October 1st has caused confusion and skepticism among the population. Citizens, who are already facing a severe economic and political crisis, are questioning whether there is really any reason to celebrate. The uncertainty about Venezuelans' ability to acquire the necessary ingredients for a Christmas dinner is palpable, and many feel that Christmas has lost its meaning amidst the crisis. Maduro's announcement was met with surprise, especially since this is not the first time that Christmas has been moved up in the country. However, the magnitude of this change, occurring more than two months before the traditional holiday, has generated a wave of negative reactions. "Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, family gatherings, parties, gifts; without money and with this political crisis, who can believe that there is an early Christmas celebration?" questioned José Ernesto Ruiz, a 57-year-old office worker. This disillusionment is compounded by the political context, which has become increasingly tense following widely questioned elections. The legitimacy of the National Electoral Council has been a topic of debate both nationally and internationally, and the opposition has denounced irregularities that call into question the results favorable to Maduro. Citizens are not only facing a lack of economic resources, but they must also deal with a climate of distrust in the country’s institutions. Maduro, for his part, has defended his decision by referring to "good economic prospects" and the support he claims to receive from the population during difficult times. However, the economic reality for most Venezuelans is overwhelming. The situation worsens when considering the amount of the aguinaldo, a bonus traditionally given to help families cope with Christmas expenses. Many wonder if this aguinaldo will be enough to cover the costs of a basic Christmas dinner, and the answer seems to be a resounding no. The economic crisis has led to a situation where the prices of basic goods have risen alarmingly. For example, the price of onions has gone from $0.41 in 2017 to over $1.98 today, while the minimum wage remains at 130 bolívares per month, equivalent to approximately $3.55. This contrast illustrates the difficulty families face in meeting their most basic needs, let alone celebrating a holiday like Christmas. The mix of a prematurely scheduled festive atmosphere and harsh economic reality has led many to express their disagreement with the early Christmas celebration. Mayela Sánchez, an 81-year-old former kitchen assistant, firmly opposes this decision, stating that "Christmas is a sacred date; everything has its time." This perspective resonates in many hearts, who see the early celebration not as a festivity, but as a mockery of their daily suffering. The youth also feel trapped between forced celebrations and a lack of resources. "I love Christmas; for me, it could be Christmas all year round; but I don't think many people feel the same way," said Yoana Pérez, a 21-year-old student. The idea of a perpetual Christmas feels distant and almost ironic in a context where most cannot afford to enjoy the holiday. The situation is further complicated by the recent arrest warrant against opposition leader Edmundo González, adding an additional layer of tension to the already critical political situation in the country. With the arrest of an opposition leader amid questions about electoral transparency, citizens are forced to reflect on the direction of the country and the role the government plays in their daily lives. Thus, the proposal for an early Christmas becomes a topic of controversy. While some see it as an opportunity to celebrate, others view it as an attempt by the government to distract the population from more pressing issues. The lack of clarity and absence of details on how this early celebration will take place contribute to a widespread feeling of distrust and hopelessness. In conclusion, Christmas in Venezuela this year presents a scene of contradictions. The possibility of celebration is overshadowed by economic and political insecurity, leaving citizens in a state of uncertainty. In a country where the holiday should be a moment of unity and joy, the reality becomes a constant reminder of the challenges they face every day. Thus, the early Christmas turns into a mirage, a poisoned gift in a time of endless crisis.