Christmas 2025: Economic Operators Focus on Family
Title: Christmas 2025: Economic Operators Focus on Family
As Christmas approaches, economic operators share their projects and memories related to the holidays. Among traditions and personal reminiscences, one element consistently appears in their responses: the time spent with family.
Rundheersing Bheenick, President of SBM Bank: "I received a watch after passing my sixth-grade exams at 10 years old"
Christmas this year will be celebrated much like it has been for the past decade, in the company of my grandson and close family. This has been the case since I became a grandfather. Last year, my grandson was on his way to meet Santa Claus in Finland. Upon his return, he described the encounter to me.
A cherished memory of Christmas from my childhood involves spending it with friends from my village. There was a Christian family living next door, and I followed the tradition of preparing for Santa’s visit by weeding the yard with the children two days before Christmas.
One special Christmas gift was a watch I received after passing my sixth-grade exams at the age of 10. I had taken the same exams three times to qualify for a scholarship to attend secondary school. There were only 40 scholarships for boys, and this success deserved to be celebrated.
Amit Bakhirta, Founder and CEO of ANNEAU: "After my mother's passing, Christmas has only been symbolic for me"
This year, I will spend Christmas with friends and colleagues.
A poignant childhood memory is my last Christmas with my mother when I was a child. After her passing, Christmas has only held a symbolic meaning for me.
Anouchka Sooriamoorthy, Founder of In The Chaos World: "Interactions and meetings hold more value than any object"
I plan to spend Christmas in the simplest way possible: with family, a good meal, and fine wine! Over the years, I have developed a dislike for the holiday season, likely due to its consumerist aspect overshadowing other values. This time of year should be a time for slowing down and reflecting, both personally and globally. However, I observe a rush to consume excessively. Recently, we rushed to complete reports or presentations, only to run around shopping malls the day before Christmas for items we don’t need. Thus, I will strive to embrace simplicity and slowness this year!
A treasured childhood memory of Christmas involves the moment I realized Santa Claus wasn't real. At 10 years old, I pretended to sleep and patiently watched my parents place gifts under the tree. While some may view this as a sad moment, I felt proud to have grown up and learned the truth.
The best Christmas gift I received? My son was born on December 19. I had just returned from the hospital to celebrate Christmas Eve. While a child isn’t a gift in the traditional sense, in a way, he is the most beautiful gift because he evolves, surprises, and delights endlessly. No object can possess those qualities! Interactions and connections hold much more value than any object. This may sound cliché, but its application isn’t always straightforward. I’m often surprised that many people (sometimes even Christians) overlook that Santa Claus has no religious ties and that the Catholic Church has long opposed this myth and the practice of gift-giving.
Pamela Bussier, CEO of Jubilee Mauritius: "My family is in Paris, and we will all be at Disney for Christmas"
This year, Christmas is special because it’s the first time I’m going on vacation for the holiday. My family is in Paris, and we will all be at Disney for Christmas, expecting a magical experience this year.
A fond memory from Christmas in my childhood involves celebrating with my cousins, eagerly waiting for Santa Claus, and playing together after the Christmas meal. I hold dear memories of those precious family moments with my mother, father, and loved ones.
A Christmas gift that still evokes strong emotions for me is my first violin, given to me by my father, who was a musician. I still use it today, and it remains the most beautiful gift he ever gave me while he was alive.
Heba Capdevila Jangeerkhan, CEO of Medine Group: "Seeing my children marvel at the Christmas tree is an indescribable feeling"
This year, I will celebrate Christmas with family and friends, taking time to relax and recharge, embracing simplicity. Simplicity brings joy. I make sure to help Santa with his duties before the morning of December 25, which isn’t always easy.
A particularly memorable childhood Christmas was watching my children’s excitement as they rushed to see if Santa had come, checking if he had taken the milk and cookies left out. These are magical moments for children, and they warm my heart.
The most memorable Christmas gift I received? It may sound clichéd, but being surrounded by loved ones is wonderful. I recall one year when I gathered my sisters, their families, and friends at a farmhouse in Spain. We celebrated amidst nature in the cold, with the fireplace lit and guests bringing dishes. My sisters and I enjoy cooking together. It remains one of my best Christmas memories, marked by unity and a shared human connection.
Ajay Beedassy, President of the SME Chambers: "Respect is the greatest gift one can hope for"
Christmas will be with family. Entrepreneurs may be time-constrained, but that won’t prevent us from spending time with relatives and friends. After Christmas, the priority will shift to planning for 2026 and reaching out to clients for orders.
Among my childhood memories, one that often resurfaces is putting shoes under the Christmas tree in anticipation of gifts. My older brother received a battery-operated toy plane, which left a strong impression on me.
A Christmas gift that has particularly marked me over the years? I would say the blessing of my grandparents. My father always taught me to respect and help others. In my philosophy, I believe that respect is the greatest gift one can hope for. I recently lost some loved ones, and I wish strength to those who have gone through similar difficult moments, along with my best wishes for 2026.
Trinida Chetty, Director of Deco Design: "The birth of my son is my greatest gift"
This year, we are going on a family trip to celebrate the holidays. After a year filled with challenges, it’s time to take a step back and breathe to start 2026 well. Christmas is significant for me as it’s a time to gather the family for a good dinner. I seize the opportunity to cook delicious dishes to celebrate Christmas. Being with family and sharing good moments is what matters most.
A notable childhood Christmas memory is when my son was born five years ago in October. This remains my greatest gift. Becoming a mother has completely transformed my life, and Christmas has taken on a new meaning. We cherish every moment with him, using this opportunity to teach him about giving and meeting disadvantaged children to help him understand that life isn’t always easy. This is very important to me.