BY MAVIS OTCHERE
The Festive Season of Christmas is not only about the birth of Christ, but it is also synonymous with the tradition of gift-giving, a practice deeply rooted in Western culture.
Incidentally, today is Boxing Day, a day to wrap all the gift boxes and present them to family members, friends, colleagues, loved ones, and sometimes to the poor and needy.
One popular way of doing this is through beautifully crafted hampers.
In Ghana, corporate leaders, churches, and families often use hampers as a thoughtful gesture during Christmas and on Boxing Day.
This, according to the vendors, has led to a significant surge in demand for Christmas hampers, resulting in increased sales.
GBC News visited basket weavers and vendors in Accra to find out the current state of sales and the impact of Boxing Day on this thriving industry. A traditional Christmas hamper is a delightful gift filled with an assortment of non-perishable treats, such as sweets and savoury goodies, beverages, and other seasonal favourites.
Receiving a Christmas hamper can be a thrilling experience, especially when its contents align with your personal preferences.
This thoughtful gesture reflects the giver’s consideration and attention to detail, making it a truly special gift.
During Christmas, many individuals and organisations present gifts that not only represent their values but also bring joy and warmth to the recipients. As a result, sales of Christmas hampers tend to surge during this time.
According to basket weavers in Cantonments in Accra, this year’s market has been particularly strong, indicating a growing demand for these festive gifts. The Christmas hamper sales boom is probably attributable to two issues.
Some believe the change in government has instilled economic confidence, leading to increased spending on festive gifts. Others think the President’s recent public endorsement to buy hampers for loved ones plays a significant part in driving sales this year.
“This year the market for hampers is booming compared with the previous year. All our products have been bought,” they indicated.
Accra-based hamper vendors shared their insights and perspectives on the cultural significance of exchanging hampers on Boxing Day. “Traditionally, hampers hold significant meaning in Ghanaian society during Christmas. They symbolise love, care and organisations come together to share gifts and food with loved ones and the needy,” they noted.
Hampers are a way to show love and care for one another during Christmas, particularly on Boxing Day. They remind us of the true spirit of Christmas, which is about giving, sharing, and spreading love and kindness to the vulnerable.
