In the past eight years of economic deterioration, Zimbabweans have been labelling each year's Christmas Day as the worse but, this year many locals have run out of words for it is the worst in years.

Workers' salaries fall way below the Poverty Datum Line (PDL) and many breadwinners cannot afford to normally look after their families. Many companies have also shelved the much anticipated bonus which is mainly received in November.

With inflation at around 14, 000, current shortages of cash have made the situation even bad. Many people tend to spend time in bank queues for a mere $5 million withdrawal per day- which can only buy a kilogram of meat.

Many clothing and furniture shops are reported to have a slump in business since the cash shortages. For example, one would require about $70 million to purchase a pair of shoes.

The tradition of families resorting to purchasing new clothes to celebrate Christmas has since been abolished by many mainly because clothes have become expensive.

"I have to go to the bank daily for three to four weeks to gather money for groceries, worst to purchase a certain item or to travel?," fumed Sheila Katsande.

"2007 has been the worst year in my life and I cannot even imagine how Christmas will be like, especially with the persistent cash shortages," she said.

Prices of basic goods and commodities are also increasing almost on a daily basis. Most shops and big supermarkets do not have basic commodities in stock.

Mealie-meal, bread, sugar, rice and cooking oil is only available on the black market at exorbitant prices. For example, a 750ml bottle of cooking oil costs about $3 million.

On Christmas day, many people will not be able to enjoy the traditional rice and chicken plus many more goodies. A full chicken costs around $6 million, which is half of a teacher's salary.

34 year-old Mufaro Pasipanodya says food has become so very expensive but he will try by all means to make Christmas day special.

Although fuel supplies have improved, the golden liquid has also gone up with a litre now costing $6 million. Transport fares are also on an upward trend with a single commuting trip costing not less than $500 000.

Coupled with bus and kombi shortages, this will hinder many Zimbabweans who would wish to travel during the holiday. Many will not be able to visit their relatives in and around the country, especially to kumusha.

Shortages of alcohol and beverages will also spoil Christmas Day for many. The recent price increases will also limit people's consumption. For example, a quart now fetches for $3 million whilst a pint costs $1, 2 million. Soft drinks are very scarce and cost $800 000 a litre and $300 00 for 375 millilitres.

The current power cuts by the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) are poised to bring all joy into silence and darkness contrary to recent years when many would party all night. Despite state media reports that electricity supplies have improved, power cuts have been worse this year.

Contrary to previous years where the ordinary man would be the only one between a rock and a hard place on Christmas, the richer ones are also dancing to the same tune this time.

Apart from the bank withdrawal limits, a lot of firms on the Zimbabwe Stock exchange (ZSE) have also decided not to declare the dividend, a move that will starve investors this season.

This Christmas is certainly the worst in years. If the economy and political situation continues on a downward trend, next year's Christmas would be something else- another one for the record.

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