Christmas Eve Rush: Downtown Belize City Buzzes with Last-Minute Shoppers

It’s Christmas Eve in Downtown Belize City and let me tell you, the streets are alive. Last-minute shoppers are out in full force, making that final dash before the big day. You’ll see parents picking up shiny new bicycles for the kids, fashion lovers hunting down that perfect outfit for holiday parties, and yes, even folks grabbing fresh rolls of linoleum to give their homes a festive facelift. And it doesn’t stop there, some are walking away with guitars, ready to strum their way into the New Year. The energy is electric, the festive spirit is everywhere, and everyone’s determined to tick off those last items on their holiday list. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

It’s the day before Christmas, and across Belize City, the holiday buzz is everywhere. Last-minute shoppers are out and about, picking up that perfect outfit for the festivities, shiny new bicycles for the kids, and even sprucing up their homes with a fresh roll of linoleum. And here’s a scene that really captures the spirit, a shopper strolling down Queen Street with a guitar in hand, ready to strum sweet melodies as we ring in the New Year. The energy is high, the excitement is real, and everyone’s making sure they’re ready for Christmas Day.

 

Belize City Resident #1

“I just get it and I want to learn so I am learning.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What made you become interested in learning?”

 

Belize City Resident #1

“I have always been interested, I just finally got it and I want to start.”

 

Paul Lopez

“You know anything at this point?”

 

Belize City Resident #1

“No, I am fresh.”

While the newest trends are still in stock, downtown is buzzing with eager shoppers.

 

Belize City Resident #2

“So, mostly what I find people the buy dah this emerald, green color. It is a very beautiful; color. We still have a few in store. I notice they were looking for black and gold or silver.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Where do people wear these?”

 

Belize City Resident #2

“Christmas parties, to the clubs or different event they may be attending to for the holidays.”

 

The only stop this window shopper had on his schedule this morning was work. On his way there, he paused just long enough to spot the perfect gift for his nephew, a present he plans to pick up on the way home.

 

Belize City Resident #3

“This green and the red.”

 

Paul Lopez

“So you going in to buy it?”

 

Belize City Resident #3

“I just the look, because I am going to work and I am just checking.”

 

Paul Lopez

“And when you come back you will buy it.”

 

Belize City Resident #3

“Exactly.”

 

Much of the last-minute Christmas shopping is all about making sure kids get exactly what they wished for.

 

Belize City Resident #4

“I want a phone.”

 

Paul Lopez

“You nuh have a phone yet?”

 

Belize City Resident #4

“I had one but it broke.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Who broke it?”

 

Belize City Resident #4

“Me, yes sir.”

 

Belize City Resident #5

“Ahhhh, a sweater.”

 

Paul Lopez

“And you think you got that sweater?”

 

Belize City Resident #5

“Yes.”

 

Aside from the house decors, toys and clothes, some shoppers are yet to pick up that essential ham and turkey. Waiting until the last minute might mean the meat won’t soak up all those flavors; but hey, it’ll still make it to the Christmas table.

 

Belize City Resident #6

“Yeah, well the only thing left for me is the ham.”

 

Paul Lopez

“You nuh get your ham yet?”

 

Belize City Resident #6

“Yeah, I gone dah wah couple spot, but I was working and just come out.”

 

Paul Lopez

“But dah ham done suppose to the boil already.”

 

Belize City Resident #6

“That wah happen directly. I just have a couple things I have to go deal with.”

 

For some people, the kids are already grown, the pantry is already stocked and what matters most are not the presents and the food. They see health, family and faith as priority this season.

 

Belize City Resident #7

“For me, the most important thing is that I am happy and alive and God has been so good.”

 

Paul Lopez

“So you basically have all you need this Christmas.”

 

Belize City Resident #7

“All you need is Christ and when you have Jesus Christ you have everything you need in your life.”

 

Belize City Resident #8

“Yes everything was already set, way before, like couple weeks before we have everything already set. We were prepared this year.”

 

Paul Lopez

“So you all are the early birds.”

 

Belize City Resident #10

“Yes, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and for everybody else out there, please be safe, so that nobody does not, I don’t want more killings this year. Be home, stay safe and have a blessed Christmas this year.”

 

As the clock ticks toward Christmas Day, Belize City shoppers prove that whether it’s gifts, groceries, or simply good cheer, the spirit of the season always finds its way home. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.