The holiday season has a magic unlike any other time of year. It’s a time steeped in tradition, illuminated by twinkling lights, and warmed by the joy of community. For me, the holidays have always been about connection—to family, to heritage, and to the simple, beautiful moments that become our most cherished memories.
The Gift of a New Outfit
Some of my favorite Christmas memories are from my childhood in Uganda, where my family lived as refugees. Even in times of uncertainty, the holidays brought a special kind of light. I remember the electric excitement my sister, Matondo, and I would feel, because Christmas was the one time of year we knew for sure we would be getting a brand-new outfit.
My mom would sometimes get us matching outfits, and since people already said we looked so much alike, our new clothes made us feel like twins. We would wear them to church, feeling proud and special, ready to celebrate with our community.
One year, I was chosen to be an angel in our church’s Christmas play. But I wasn’t just any angel—I was a dancing angel. I can still feel the pure, uninhibited joy of that moment, dancing on stage in my costume, surrounded by the songs and laughter of my community. (I still have a picture from that day, a treasured reminder of that simple, perfect joy.)
Those memories—of a new dress, of matching with my sister, of dancing with my community—are the heart of what the holidays mean to me. They weren’t about expensive gifts, but about the feeling of being seen, celebrated, and connected to something bigger than myself. It is this very feeling that I pour into every piece I design for Unapendeza by Furahi.
This holiday season, I want to help you give gifts that do the same—gifts that tell a story, create connection, and bring a little piece of that joyful, dancing-angel feeling into the lives of your loved ones.
The Unapendeza Gift Guide: Gifts That Bring Us Together
Here are a few of my favorite pieces, perfect for creating your own holiday memories.
For the Heart of the Home: The Apron
Just as my new dress was part of my holiday celebration, an apron is the unofficial uniform of the holiday host. It’s worn during the flurry of cookie baking, the loving preparation of a festive meal, and the quiet moments in the kitchen before the guests arrive. Gifting one of our vibrant, African-inspired aprons is like gifting a wearable piece of joy for the heart of their home.
Perfect for: The baker, the dinner party host, the family member who shows their love through food.
For the Story Carrier: The Tote Bag
During the holidays, we are all carriers—of thoughtfully chosen gifts, of ingredients for a potluck, of essentials for a weekend trip to visit family. Our sturdy, stylish tote bags are designed to carry it all. With their rich patterns, they don’t just carry things; they carry stories. They are a beautiful and practical companion for a season of gathering.
Perfect for: The best friend you love to shop with, the busy mom, the conscious consumer who loves a reusable bag with a story.
For the Gathering Place: The Table Linens
My favorite holiday memories happened when my community came together. Your table is your own personal gathering place. Our placemats, napkins, and table runners transform any meal into a celebration. They are the backdrop for shared stories, laughter, and connection. Gifting a set is an invitation to create new memories around the table.
Perfect for: The entertainer, the newlywed couple, anyone who believes that a beautiful table makes a meal taste even better.
For the Dreamer & Storyteller: The Notebook
The quiet moments of the holiday season are perfect for reflection and dreaming. Our notebooks, with their inspiring African prints, are a beautiful space to capture memories from the past year or to write down dreams for the next. It’s a gift that encourages a moment of peaceful introspection amidst the holiday hustle.
Perfect for: The writer, the planner, the student, anyone who deserves a beautiful place to hold their thoughts.
This holiday season, I invite you to give gifts with intention. Give a gift that, like my mother’s matching dresses, makes someone feel seen. Give a gift that, like our church play, celebrates community. Give a gift that tells a story.
From my family to yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with joy, connection, and beautiful memories.
With warmth,
Esther
I love this, Esther!