Growing up as kids in early 90s, Xmas is one of the events that brings family together, especially the Christians. We witness inflow of people from different walk of life in our community. Rice and other meals are in excess, you eat and wine like no other. Every sibling meet with others, we get closer together because of the anticipated goodies loaded in the season.
But this Christmas, we have a plan.
This image was captured in front of the CRIMMD library.
Every nook and cranny of Christian dominated states in Nigeria are filled with Xmas trees 🌲, and beautiful decorations of lights. In Xmas season like this, houses are painted and gardens are prepared to meet expectations of family and friends that would come to share the moment with us.
Back in the days, when we barely allow imported religion (Christainity and Islam) to cause division between us, when religion hate preachers were few, Xmas and Eid Mubarak were celebrated by both faiths. Muslim children visit the home of Christians to eat and celebrate the season with them, and vice versa. Then, we can say that Nigeria was a secular state and prosperous.
Now That Economy is Struggling😀
CURRENTLY
We are now one of the most religious states on earth, separatists are growing in popularity and population. Xmas is left to be celebrated only by the Christians, Eid Mubarak is only enjoyed by the Muslims. Economic wise, both religion has been effected.
Christmas is now celebrated moderately by the rich, so after chicken and rice, December 25th celebration is over. Kids are no longer allowed to visit their friends, this is one of the most important activities that we enjoyed in early '90s. Gone for good!
Father Xmas Extortion
Schools, especially primary schools in Nigeria, have their own father Xmas, used in scavenging money from unsuspecting parents. They pay heavily and kids get gifts faintly.
My Plan For This Xmas
We will organise Xmas Book Breakfast throughout the remaining weekends of December, this will give kids the opportunity to eat bountifully and for free. We already got sponsors for the event, so parents will no longer have to pay before their kids have fun, in addition to this merriment, they will read lots of story books. That's our little contribution to making this celebration a great experience for all. Lest I forget, this opportunity is opened to everyone irrespective of your religion. That is our plan to celebrate Xmas in a way that it used to be celebrated in the past. Introducing books and reading culture to kids amidst fun.