Twenty years ago, our family's Christmas tradition was all about the village trip to visit Grandma and Great-Grandma in my Dad's village. Those visits were the highlight of the season. The whole extended family would gather, and it was like one big, joyful reunion. We'd arrive, and the air would fill with laughter, chatter, and the warmth of love.
The best part then was seeing each family Wearing there family group cloth like a mini uniform that connected us all! It was a symbol of our bond, a way to show we belonged. And then, the food... oh, the food! We'd all eat from one big bowl, sharing laughs and stories, with our meat served on the other side of our hand, It was simple, but so full of love. The way food was shared, with everyone digging in together, was like a big group hug.
Those village Christmases were fun because everyone was family cousins, aunties, uncles, grandparents... the whole crew! 🎄 We'd play, we'd eat, we'd laugh. As kids, we'd run around, exploring the compound, playing hide-and-seek among the huts most especially at night . It was freedom mixed with so much love. Imagine a families like 100 plus in a compound.
Growing up, things changed. Village visits aren't the same now life got busier, and connecting's harder. 😔 Technology's great, but it's not the same as sitting together, eating from one bowl. I'm not sure why it feels tougher to reach out like we used to, but maybe it's just life getting in the way.
Missing those moments makes the holidays feel different. But I'm grateful for the laughter, the food, and the family bonds forged in that big, loving village. Those memories are forever. 🤗