Christmas is a period that I look forward to right since childhood. The fun that comes with the season is topnotch.
I came from a mixed background. While my father was a Muslim during his lifetime, my maternal family were Christians. Our immediate neighbors then were also Christians. Whenever it was Christmas, my siblings and I would follow them to church on the night of the 24th. We would be in the children's section having fun while the worship was going on. On the 25th, which is Christmas, we would remain at home, accepting food and other gifts from neighbors.
During the Sallah celebration, we replicate the gesture. This was how I grew up. No discrimination. It is for this reason that I waved aside some preachers telling us Muslims not to eat Christmas food. It is unheard of that I would visit my maternal uncles or cousins, and I would refuse to eat because of religious differences.
When I left home for further studies, it became a tradition to always go back home to spend the season with my loved ones. There is one unique thing with the Christmas holiday. It affords me an opportunity to bond with my extended family and have good memories together. Since a few years ago, I have not been able to travel home with my family. As a result, we will be doing our holiday back in Kaduna.
Spending the holidays in Kaduna doesn't always come with much fun as compared to traveling to my home state, as I explained earlier. However, my main joy in this holiday is that it is giving me ample time to spend with my wife and son. Throughout the year I have been running a triangular lifestyle. A major part of most of the days is spent at work, with the remaining hours spent at home. Other days, I would be away in Jos for my postgraduate studies.
Interestingly, I am presently at home for most probably uninterrupted two weeks to spend with my family. This is very fulfilling. Waking up and having the whole day to spend at home is something that I cherish. My schedule for this holiday is resting and playing. I need to unwind and get prepared for the tasks of 2025.
As the holiday continues, I may decide to go out and visit some tourist attractions within the city. I haven't mapped this out yet, but it remains a possibility between Christmas and the first day of the new year.
On Christmas Day, we will visit some of my Christian colleagues in commemoration of the season. As for me, I hold on to the way I grew up. Whether Christmas, Easter, or Sallah, I celebrate all either in my house or with neighbors and extended family members as the season demands. Each period comes with a renewed opportunity to appreciate Almighty God for His endless blessings and to also extend the hands of love to family, friends, and neighbors. The town is in Christmas mode already. Many churches have decorated their buildings, and the lovely designs are giving me joy. Children are playing with fireworks, and this reminds me of my childhood. I remember setting my alarm to 12 a.m. on the 25th and the 1st so that I would be the first to shout Happy Christmas and Happy New Year, respectively.
In all of these, I am in love with the moment, and it is my hope to get the best fun out of it while we look forward to an amazing 2025.