Monday 14 December 2015

Christmas loosing it's value or it's just modernisation?





I remember while growing up and the whole excitement when Christmas is approaching was out of this world, but  the thought of wearing new clothes and shoes which probably was the only time I would get them the entire year, or the thought of witnessing a goat killed in our compound and me the envy of our neighbourhood kids...lol and finally, father Christmas that I always narrowly missed and never gave me the gifts I always wished for.



On several occasions my Christmas dress won't fit on that day, why would it fit when my mum actually bought it since August? It's natural of kids to grow rapidly within a short time and on the bright side i really don't blame her as my dad would rather wait till 23rd of December to give her money which won't be enough for the kids entire clothes and shoes while  expecting her to make a good bargain which is almost impossible.

My mum been the better home manager would always be bitter my dad never learns from previous years mistakes. We the  kids innocently enjoy our xmas with our under sized dresses and shoes, while my mum argues endlessly with Dad over the awful turn of events.
We barely trek 50 metres from our house and our feet begins to hurt, we gladly pull our shoes to walk bare feet for our Christmas visits, when offered food or drinks we decline rather expecting some financial treats. As low as 5 naira was fine by me and we proceed to the next relative's house. Grandfather 's house in the villa was always our last place to visit, we would trek over 10 kilometres to his place that's how determined we were.

Grandfather loved us most amongst his other grandchildren as we could speak English and my mum never gave him issues while pursuing her education. At this point we ain't really better looking than the village kids as harmattan dust has covered all our body, he would personally boil water to give us a thorough bathe. Other kids which are mostly products of illicit affairs wearing only pants and unkempt hair would gather around the hut to watch the kids that came from town and can speak English...lol

Now, the memory is entirely different in most modern homes. For the past 5years in my home we stay home on xmas day due to security reasons in Abuja. No killing of goats or cows, seriously who is going to do the work of cleaning up? We just stay home watch tv, the kids play their PS games and just eat regular meals.

 Few days ago my first daughter asked me rather sarcastically  if it's true she needs new clothes for xmas as her dad said that was the only time he did have new clothes when he was her age. This is now same with many other homes, is Christmas loosing its flavour or value or is it just modernisation? To make matters worse kids now know santa clause doesn't exist neither does tooth fairy, my kids ask me straight up to get them what they desire for xmas and not the usual writing santa a letter and hanging of socks.

25 comments:

  1. Hahahhha..I Laughed all through...oh! Naija Mom, you are very good in narrating story, it won't be bad if you take story writing into consideration. you will be a very excellent writer, you have the qualities! I know you will say no time o, but if you consider it, there will be time!
    *smiles*
    thanks!


    Merry Xmas in advance!!!

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  2. I stopped caring so much about Christmas years back, but I think it's as a result of growth. My priorities and things that trip me are changing every other day. So I don't think it's modernisation...I think children still feel excited about Christmas...
    Nma's Blog 

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  3. I don't think Xmas is loosing its flavour. Back in the days, once Xmas is approaching, you'll have this feeling of excitement with anticipation of that special day. I still feel the same till today. Nothing has changed.
    www.alabekee.com

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  5. nothing new in it... same old day celebration from ancient till now...

    doh your style of celebraton is only what makes it new or modern... great post..

    FOHA2015

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  6. Nothing new jor.. Except for children.
    Compliments of the season!

    www.ckjacob.com

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  7. Hmmmn, nothing has changed or should I say we have outgrown it. I still see children roaming around the street obviously with their new Xmas clothes and shoes going from one place to another to get Owo odun, Xmas money

    Www.bolatitoblog.com

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  8. I think it has changed a bit especially for most adults not in the case of kids. Not as exciting as it used to be. Maybe cos of the too many problems in the world. Things are not the way they used to be back then.Priorities are set and people as people are struggling. At the end of the the day, the feeling still comes once in a while whether you like it or not. Compliments of the season naijamom!
    naijaflo.com

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    Replies
    1. You are very right, probably due to unending problems. Same to you dear.

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  9. Lolz you are funny though. I think most people outgrown it already. These days some kids even eat chicken everyday and go to the park every weekend lol




    Www.trendwithgloria.com

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    Replies
    1. That's just it, they don't look forward to that day get to eat chicken only time of the year.

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  10. Lmao, naija mom u jst something else. Chai, Can't stop laughing

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  11. Lmao, naija mom u jst something else. Chai, Can't stop laughing

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  12. After typing an epistle, it disappeared :-(

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  13. Very funnnny

    I think it has lost its value in naija. Dont just jnow what happened...

    Chincobee.blogspot.com

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  14. What else has not lost it value? Human's life itself has lost it value...Gone are those days when we hear of someone's death. We may not be able to step out of our room for a whole day.

    The story has changed...I can't imagine our society would be so degenerated so soon. Even the climate has lost its values.


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