Fourways philanthropist and businessman remembers the old Christmas days growing up

Paul Economon, a 73-year-old philanthropist and Fourways-based businessman said Christmas Day had always been a day to celebrate life and spend quality time with families and community members.

Economon recalled growing up as a young boy in Welkom in the Free State where his father owned a supermarket before they moved to Johannesburg in the early 60s.

“Christmas Day has always been family centred and a community day. I remember growing up in Welkom before we moved to Johannesburg in the early 60 and we would get together as a Greek community to attend church service together. It was good and exciting times for everyone as we used to exchange gifts and we were certain that everyone would get a gift from Father Christmas on that day,” Economon said.

He added his father would sometimes take them to an orphanage after church to give gifts to the less privileged children.

“I was privileged to be raised by parents who always ensured that we had enough. Growing up as a boy, I would have things like a soccer ball and bicycle on my wish-list. I remember that the bicycle that my father bought me, I used in high school and later used it to go to work.
“I think Christmas Day has been too much commercialised by shopping centres that lure people to spend more during this time. However, at a family level, Christmas remains a special day to enjoy good and quality time together.”