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.