As Rwandans celebrate Christmas, their plans range from quiet family moments to attending church services, traveling, and giving back to the community. For many, the day is less about grand celebrations and more about reflection, togetherness, and gratitude.

From students and teachers to journalists and legal professionals, people across the country shared how they plan to spend Christmas Day, offering a glimpse of how the festive season is observed in different ways across Rwanda.

Noella Teta, 25, university student, Musanze

After church, I will take photos and short videos, as memories with my friends to remember the day. In the afternoon, I will return home for lunch and watch Christmas movies with my family along with having some drinks.

We will talk, laugh, and take a break from our phones while playing various games together. Then in the evening, I will take a short walk by the beach, listening to music. Later, I will call and message friends as well as relatives to wish them a Merry Christmas, then return home for dinner. I will spend some time talking with my parents, end the day with a prayer, and go to sleep. That’s how I am celebrating Christmas.

Rene Kamoso, 28, teacher, Karongi

I will stay at home watching Christmas movies all morning, making hot chocolate or tea, light candles, playing soft music, and spend time reading some articles reflecting on Christmas. I will also cook and share a special meal with my family—my wife and child.

We also plan to exchange small gifts, letters and play board games or cards, depending on our mood and time, but we will also have a group video call with friends who are far from home, have some chatting.

I will visit and donate to an orphanage or hospital as a way of giving back to the community. This will include providing food or clothes to those in need and sending kind messages to people who may feel lonely or sick.

Attending a Christmas church service is also part of my family's plan . Additionally, I will go out for karaoke or attend a local event or concert if there is one in town. That’s how I will spend my day

Xavier Nzamurambaho, 30, public notary, Rusizi

I do not usually celebrate Christmas, but this time I will attend a church service with my family. After church, I will support my spouse in preparing a meal, which we will share with our family—my wife and child—as well as our visitors.

On a personal level, I plan to reach out to a few people to donate and share meals with them, for bringing a simple smile to their faces as an act of social solidarity. That will also include prayers for those who may be sick or ill.

To conclude the day, my family and I plan to visit Nyungwe National Park for a hike, experience the canopy walk, and enjoy some cocktails.

Immaculée Mutezimana, Radio Salus journalist in Northern Province

I plan to spend more time with my family, reflecting on the year that has passed and preparing for the year ahead. It will be a time of rest, gratitude, and personal renewal after a busy working period. At the same time, I will continue to fulfill my duties, as journalism is a continuous responsibility that does not pause, even during the festive season.

Arnold Kabatsi, corporate transactions legal consultant

For me, the day is less about plans and more about presence. Sharing a meal with my family, catching up on the year, laughing at the same old stories. We used to make a trip to the cinema as part of the tradition, and while that’s slowly giving way to a living-room screening of The Prince of Egypt (1998), we like to say the spirit remains unchanged.

At the heart of it all is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the core reason that brings us together in prayer, gratitude, and joy. In those moments, I find that our simplest traditions become my most sacred memories, and I am grateful that the light of that first Christmas still shines so brightly in our home today.