For 86-year-old Vanavasa Vone, Christmas embodies the values of family, love, and generosity, rather than the extravagance of celebrations. Residing in Raiwaqa and surrounded by his children and grandchildren this festive season, Vone feels incredibly blessed to spend Christmas with his loved ones.
“In the past, Christmas was a grand affair. The entire village would come together to cook and share food,” Vone reminisces, reflecting on the communal spirit that characterized earlier celebrations. Although these large gatherings have dwindled over the years, with families opting for more intimate festivities, Vone is firm in his belief that the true essence of Christmas has not diminished.
“The gathering may be small now, but the love is still there. People still share; people still care — and that’s what Christmas is about,” he shares.
One of his grandchildren, who currently works on Kokomo Island, expresses her joy in returning home for the holidays. “I was so happy because not every year we are here, and it’s just great to be here for my grandfather,” she says.
As Fiji continues to evolve, Vone hopes that the younger generations will embrace the timeless values that have defined Christmas for many years — love, generosity, and togetherness. For him, that spirit continues to shine brightly this holiday season, serving as a testament to the enduring significance of family connections and shared experiences during this special time of year.