Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa joins Christians around the world in celebrating the birth of Christ at the stroke of midnight tonight. But it’s already Christmas in other parts of the world — such as neighboring Samoa and other Pacifika countries.

Celebrating Christmas this year is not as merry as it was in past years as countries around the world impose strict restrictions on public gatherings — and in some locations even stay-home orders are in place — to combat the continuing increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, especially with the new “omicron” variant raising global concerns.

And with the holidays already in full swing, world leaders, including those in the U.S are even more concerned with the spread of omicron during family gatherings, while American Samoa remains free from any local transmission of the deadly virus.

“This past year our resolve as a people has been tested. We celebrate this season with thoughts of our triumphs over the many challenges we have faced individually and as a territory,” said Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga in his first official Christmas message since taking over the helm of government in January this year.

“While our territory continues to adapt to the changes surrounding the global pandemic, in the midst of all the uncertainty, great work has been done by a large number of people,” he said and expressed appreciation to them.

The governor pointed out that, as “we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us be moved by the Christmas gift of Love and in doing so recommit ourselves to bringing joy and peace into the lives of those less fortunate.” (See today’s edition of Samoa News for details of the governor’s message in a paid advertisement.)

In her annual Christmas message, Congresswoman Uifa’atali, noted that as ”we celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ this holiday season, we are nearly two years into the unforeseen challenges of the pandemic. We are truly blessed that American Samoa has successfully prevented the spread of the virus on our shores.”

She recalled that two years ago, “we endured a sudden but lasting disruption to all our lives. Just last year at the holidays, nearly all of us were still awaiting the vaccinations that were then new and not yet widely available. A year later, we are much better prepared and hopeful.”

Both the governor and Uifa’atali offered special holiday greetings to our Toa o Samoa.

Bishop Peter H. Brown, head of the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago, in his annual Christmas message also touched on the pandemic.

“In this unprecedented time of the pandemic, Christmas and the Octave of this Feast may be upon us at a time of distress,” Bishop Brown said. “However, at the same time it brings a message of Joy, Peace and Hope. Hope that we find in God’s promise and the eternal message of salvation.  God has been good all the time to our islands — as the rest of the world experienced so much suffering and sadness these past years, we continue to be blessed in so many ways.

“In gratitude for the many blessings upon us, may we remember earnestly in our prayers those that are celebrating this Christmas with loved ones at war, those who are faced with unemployment, homelessness and those grieving the loss of loved ones, those who are alone, victims of abuse and natural disaster and those who are suffering  mentally,” he said. (See today’s Samoa News edition for details of Bishop Brown’s message in a paid advertisement.)

Since Monday this week — also the ASG payday — traffic in town, in front of the Post Office — as well as heading west has been very busy. Some motorists coming from Fagatogo heading west spent two hours in the traffic slowdown that started from Matu’u.

Traffic is expected to be very busy again today, especially in the Laufou area and in front of Neil’s ACE Home Center.

Some stores will stay open late today up to 7p.m or 8p.m to accommodate last minute shoppers. Grocery stores and retailers said last week that they are prepared for the Christmas rush — and they are banking on holiday shopping to increase revenues.

 And if you want that time out, don’t forget to stop in at McDonald’s — for a breather, before continuing to shop until you drop.

Gov Lemanu has already declared today, Dec. 24th, a government holiday. Also the two local banks are closed today, while some businesses will still be operating. At StarKist Samoa, production shutdown was last week Friday, for the usual two-week end-of-the-year down time, and work resumes Jan. 3, 2022.

From all of us at Samoa News: “Merry Christmas American Samoa, especially our Toa o Samoa”. Please stay safe and healthy — one & all.