Christmas is one holiday everyone celebrates with unique traditions! So, it has gone on to be more than just a ‘Christian Celebration’ with so many schools of thoughts, theories and whatnot!
For some, it is a period of;
- Shopping sprees with stores offering mouth-watering discounts and sales
- Sight-seeing of amazing Christmas decorations placed on house tops, Churches, on the roads, the Shopping Malls and other commercial centres
- Feasting; eating rich foods and wines
- Criticizing and wondering “why these ignorant people keep celebrating the birthday of the sun God and calling it the birthday of The Christ”
- Finally getting a leave from work and spend time with family and loved ones
- Preparation for the new Civil year
- Careful meditation on Christ’s final coming to judge and rule the world
Inspite of all of these, Christmas has gone on to become a global Holiday!
I want to describe how I prepare for Christmas as a Catholic and a Nigerian.
First, we have a 4 week long preparation which we call; Season of Advent.
During this period, we reflect on the lives of the Ancient Jews and what their disposition was as they prepared for the Messiah, we listen to readings from the Prophets particularly Isaiah.
On the Sunday of the 3rd week, we celebrate what we call the ‘Gaudete Sunday’ or ‘Rejoicing Sunday’.
Many of us will most likely have our Christmas Carols on this day.
This year, we decided to do something different at my Home Parish! Instead of doing the traditional Christmas carols;
- Silent Night, Holy Night
- O Come all ye faithful
- We Three Kings of Orient are
- Ye Little Babe of Bethlehem
we decided to don our traditional attires and sing songs in our Nigerian Local languages suited to Christmas ? to say it was amazing is to say the least!
My most favorite of all the songs was one performed by a Choir where they made all the sounds the animals in the Jungle made at the birth of Christ the King! What a beautiful way to usher in the festivity.
Finally, on the 24th of December, we assemble for a vigil to usher in Christmas. A very beautiful vigil with hymns and songs.
Often times, a little girl and boy are made to carry a newborn which is taken to the Crib which has been prepared
After the celebration of Mass, people troop to the Nativity scene (Christmas Crib) to drop gifts for the new born King. Sometimes, talcum powder is put right beside the crib; a tradition from South-Eatern Nigeria, when you go to visit a new born, you rub on some talcum powder at the house of the new Parents. So, Parishioners splash on the Talcum powder provided beside the Christmas Crib.
Some people are returning from the Christmas vigil looking like Ghosts.
In the morning, on the 25th of December, we attend the Christmas day Mass; where the news of the new born has now being announced to everyone.
From Mass, we go home and feasting begins!!! Jollof Rice, Fried Rice, Chicken, Beef, Fish, Pounded Yam, Egusi soup, Semo, Amala, Goat meat stew, drinks! Name it! There is more than enough for everyone to eat and drink!
If you have a very good imagination, I hope you are able to paint the picture of Christmas traditions in the way I celebrate at my Home.
As much as I would have loved to bring you pictures this year, I am far away from home this year. Say a Prayer for me.
I wish you all a Happy Holidays and a joyful Christmas celebration
, Dear friend