Just as I am always filled with joy and expectation whenever the holidays are around the corner, I am equally heartbroken seeing the holidays come to an end. But isn't that the life's nature?
Just as I am always filled with joy and expectation whenever the holidays are around the corner, I am equally heartbroken seeing the holidays come to an end. But isn't that the life's nature?
I guess that's why indeed there are seasons for everything in life and the cycle continues leaving behind memories we made in each season for us to cherish and await when it comes next.
This year's holiday came with lots of good experiences and going to the village after so long made it more fun; it was one with perfect blend of culture, thanksgiving and merriment reunion and sports.
The merriment were all round the clock with everyday having it's wonderful dishes to deliver, a culinary adventure indeed. Thanks to the presence of the ladies in the house as they all took turns to deliver the delicious meals, both the traditional cuisines down to the modern ones. What was more fun was the sight of seeing the food gathered around and finished almost immediately it was dropped down from the fire because of our big number and the joy of sitting together as family to enjoy these meals was more satisfying.
On December 27, my classmates in preparation of our reunion party decided to kick things off with playing football.
A great way of exercising and burning off the extra calories we already gained; it was a wonderful experience playing ball with my long-time friends, it was much more fun when some of them who hasn't played for a very long time gassed out just within ten minutes of playing shouting to be substituted, lol. But it was all fun, because we didn't play the ball because of any prize attached; it was just for fun.
After playing we gathered for a little enjoyment and dispersed ahead of the big day, our reunion day.
It was also a time to watch and observe the culture of the village. There were many events starting from the Olenyi festival down to the masquerade displays.
The masquerades was basically called, "Umu igariga" in my igbo dialect, and they were just out for dancing and entertaining people in their various relaxation zones and houses especially if you just came back from the city.
Then came December 29 and the day for our long-awaited reunion. The coming together of genuine friends who went through the same ordeal in the boarding school for seven years reminscing over the good or would I say tough old days when we were in secondary school, singing the various school's marching songs and school anthems we sang back in the day... The joy was unmatched.
Finally, the highlight of the joyous experience was the Thanksgiving of my aunt who was kidnapped but later released sometimes around November. It was indeed a great thing of joy. We went to church for the Thanksgiving service and after that we went straight to the residence for the item seven packages; with the DJ constantly dishing out interesting musics and the running around of children here and there, it was indeed a great experience to remember.
Most members of the family from far and wide were present so it was a great place of meeting and reconnecting with family members.
It feels surreal to have experienced such a beautiful holiday with the experience beautifully woven together by the threads of culture, thanksgiving, merriment, reunion, and sports, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.
As I reminscince on the memories, I also look forward to this year's celebration knowing that the cycle continues and there's a season for everything.
All Pictures Are Mine
Thanks for reading and have a nice day 👍
This post was inspired by the #inleo community and my entry to the #januaryinleo monthly topic Day 4.Please check out the prompt to get involved.