My childhood memories of Christmas celebrations as a Nigerian

Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating Jesus' birth. Christmas, which means "mass on Christ's day" in English. Come take a good ride with me down memory lane as I share with you some of my fondest Christmas Memories.

Growing up as a child, December was very important to me. I mean, why not? School was going to most definitely give us a break; I and my siblings got new clothes; there were plenty of outings as a family alongside my cousins (from my mom’s side) because we were all so close knit growing up, even now. And let’s not forget about the Christmas songs everywhere—in the shops, streets, parks, you name it. I’ve always loved music. In my primary school days, I was in the choir, very committed, and to add to my excitement, I was going to sing Christmas hymns on Carole in front of the whole school and my family. You see how important Christmas was to me? Mind you, every Christmas hymn I know now dates back to my days as a chorister in primary school; every line, every stanza, I will never forget.

Fast forward to now: I’m 26 and Christmas is still special to me. I now understand better the miracle surrounding the birth of Christ, and it even makes more sense. I might not be spending this Christmas with any family (because of work and adulting), but I can still feel the magic. Call me crazy, but I feel His presence heavier this season.

On the 13th of December 2023, on my way to work, I was in a cab work, and I felt this chilly breeze (which reminded me of JOS weather, the most beautiful weather I’ve experienced during this period), and it felt all so beautiful—the smell of the earth, the morning sun, and a tear slipping down my eyes, a tear expressing the feeling of the overwhelming joy I felt. Mind you, the remainder of that day (the 13th) went so beautifully, and I felt God’s presence so close.

Christmas, the season, still remains the most beautiful time of the year for me. I’ll forever be grateful to experience what beauty it is at this time, and what way to end this post if I don’t name my best Christmas songs? "Oh, holy night," "the first noel," and "away in a manger."