Merewai Naivola’s yesterday was an early start.

The woman from Nasauvere, Naitasiri, travelled on the carrier at 1am to Suva, did her quick shopping and then travelled the same route home in the afternoon.

This was the story for many who live in the interior as the nation and the world officially welcomes Christmas tomorrow, a time of joy, giving, feasting and reflection.

“I left around 1 am this morning so that I can shop and return again this afternoon,” Ms Naivola said.

“Our clan will be celebrating Christmas together which means our relatives around Fiji will all be coming to the village.

“A lot of my relatives are in Suva and other places so they don’t have time to come to the village frequently. Christmas is one way we all come together as a family.”

Another Naitasiri woman, Aliti Buna said: “I just came to do my last minute shopping for Christmas and return again today,” Ms Buna said.

“This Christmas our family will be celebrating together and I am so excited because this is one way our family can come together and enjoy each other’s company.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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