I remember my childhood growing up in Nigeria. We got new clothes and shoes as Christmas drew near, and the new year beckoned. My aunt, who sold imported fabrics, would hand them over to the tailors to make nice clothes for my cousins and me. Other times, we got ready-made dresses.
Our Christmas mornings started at my cousin's grandmother's house. We would eat a delicious breakfast, which was usually yam and fish sauce. Jollof rice and chicken was guaranteed in the afternoon.
We were treated to cartoons, and I was always excited when family members and friends visited during the day.
There was a canopy out downstairs where guests were entertained. My cousin's Uncle J, of blessed memory, would throw me up in the air, and I would laugh with exhilaration. I was a child, but I remember him being very good-looking and personable. In my mind, Uncle J was a fabulous person all around.
We would get the handheld fireworks at night and light them. Oh, those days.... I smile as I write this, drawn by the beautiful memories.
I couldn't imagine being anywhere else but Nigeria for Christmas and the New Year holiday. A few days before the holidays, we would sing the song "Holiday is coming, holiday is coming, no more morning bells, no more teacher's whip…. we are going for a jolly holiday, a jolly holiday!"
Childhood was exciting, and I am grateful for all the memories. Growing up in a family surrounded by so much love is something I will never, ever forget.
As I became a young adult, I found myself in the United States. I became acquainted with a cold and white Christmas and New Year. Suddenly, putting up Christmas trees in the house wasn't something my dad of blessed memory , or I, thought about. Whatever happened to the joy that seeing a Christmas tree in the house brought?
Well, maybe seeing them in the malls and corporate buildings was enough for me. I remember the streets of lower Manhattan being lit and dazzling as I walked from the office to take the ferry.
In the United States, you feel Christmas in the air and all around you. You see it on TV in the form of Christmas movies. I enjoy watching them on cold winter nights, and maybe on warm ones too. If you live in the Southern USA, you’d get my point. J
As the years went by, I skipped the crossover services to pray as the old year gave way to a New Year. I was comfortable speaking to God in my house about the upcoming year and my expectations. Last year, I was led to go to Church for the crossover service, and I did.
As I look back, I realize how much life has changed. The country I grew up in is no longer the same when I go to visit. Many people my age have "Japa’d" to other countries.
Alas! Adulting has happened to many of us. Adulting can look like spending the New Year or Christmas by yourself sometimes. Adulting can also look like being in great company during festive seasons. Whether I am among many people or having a quiet holiday, I have learned to be okay with it.
That girl who grew up surrounded by many family members suddenly realized that her life had changed. Nothing really prepares us for the twists and turns of life's journey.
As I write this, I am grateful for relationships that have come my way. I am grateful for friends who have stuck with me through the years and recent friends who have become like family. I am grateful for my family who check in to see how I am doing.
So let me wish you all a Happy New Year. Did you have a vision board for this year? Do you have big goals? Small goals? Are they SMART?
Is there something your heart has been drawn to lately that you have been stalling on? Perhaps this is the year to bring to life what's been in your heart. Do you want to learn a new skill? Go back to school? Go big on saving and investing? Take up new hobbies, eat healthy, go to the gym consistently?
Whatever your goals are for this year, I pray that you’ll accomplish them all, or nearly all of them.
One of my goals for this year is to pick up writing again and be consistent. So, help me, God.
Cheers to 2026!!!! Eat, Pray, Love.
Soar on eagles' wings.
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