Christmas is around the corner! Almost all big enterprises are deploying stratagems to prove to their personnel and their kids that management cares about Christmas. Most common among these initiatives are Christmas tree celebrations and the offer of gift bonds. As December 25 draws nigh, all branches of Afriland First Bank nationwide are organising Christmas tree celebrations to hand gifts to their personnel's children under 10 years.

According to the President of the Staff Association of Afriland First Bank (MUTAFIRST), Janvier Tientcheu, the most performing children above 10 years who got promotion to senior classes or passed certificate examinations, receive gifts and excellence certificates. "For this category of children, gifts include books, calculators and laptop computers," he said. To add colour, staff, dressed in the bank's Polo tops and t-shirts, are invited to the Christmas tree ceremony.

At the Mobile Telephone Network (MTN), a feast for employees was organised yesterday, December 19, 2013 at the Bonanjo party house in Douala. During the occasion, employees' children received money for the purchase of presents. Furthermore, the "13th month" salary is paid to staff. Meanwhile, the Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL) company, offers presents to the children of employees of categories one to six.

However, the enterprise has introduced innovations this year by organising a Christmas feast for all staff. This will take place today Friday, December 20, 2013 at the CAMTEL Club in Yaounde. Similar feasts will be held in the regions by respective CAMTEL agencies. Tomorrow, Saturday December 21, 2013, will also be a day for Christmas feasting at the Public Contracts Regulatory Board (ARMP). Personnel's children will receive Christmas presents. Between January and February, gratifications are given to staff, depending on finances available and approval of the Board of Directors.

Other companies have not only adopted the Christmas tree celebration, but are adding special touches. A brewery company, for example, is offering 21 crates of beer to each staff member. The upcoming Christmas celebration thus promises to be hectic.