By Chioma Nworie

Every community has its root, the very fabric of its history and formation. With increasing diversity in human endeavours, our years of community living has become an endangered paradigm where “I” is emphasised over “We”. However, the celebration of Christmas, a Christian holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, signposts the relevance communal life particularly in the hinterland.

Christmas, a season characterised by gift-gifting, carolling, and decorating of trees with lights and evergreens, reinforces our commonality. Some families also wear matching outfit’s and take photos together on Christmas Eve. On Christmas, families often spend hours cooking elaborate meals, setting up decorations, and preparing for the holiday.

The holiday brings a sense of togetherness and love, as families spend time together and reflect on the year’s blessing. Also going for church service on Christmas Day is always exciting and brings a sense of consciousness of Jesus’ birth.

Despite all the preparations, the true meaning of Christmas is the joy and peace that it brings to families around the world. It is a time to reflect on the love and blessings in our lives.

The joie de vivre that accompanies Christmas is exhilarating. The children play around with uncontrolled attention, older brothers fetch water, sisters gather firewood and mothers laid out pots for food preparations.  To bring the life out of the whole event is to eat together, chatting and partaking of the cool weather, neighbours and friends moving from different locations, seeking for every meal to be tasted. It is a day when nobody goes hungry, yet, no food is left untasted.

This period does not only speak present but also takes us back to our root, where our fathers also celebrate the season with village festivals like; the masquerade performance, youth beauty parade, wrestling and lots more.  The village king confers chieftaincy honours on deserving sons of the land and celebrates with his people. Christmas don’t only display its qualities but creates opportunity for everyman to be himself

Love is shared from every angle of life, leaving no space for fear, pain or grief. The season produces new relationship in the life of the singles, giving a little touch and reminder of Valentine for them. Christmas doesn’t only create room for celebration but also for bonding. This is especially true for singles, who have the opportunity to find their other half.  It gives a little touch of Valentine’s Day – love is offered and taken.  

It is also a season to reflect on the true gift of Jesus Christ who was sent to mankind. Christians are privileged people, for they have great advantages to this season. Christmas melodies and rhythms before and after the season, has endless play.

Children across the world are often surprised by the gifts and visits from their loved ones during the holiday season. The holiday season is not about wealth or status, but about celebrating with loved ones and sharing kindness and compassion. Even those who are less fortunate, such as orphans and disabled, are able to experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season. Everyone, from the beautiful to the less conventionally attractive, can find something to celebrate during this time of the year.

Christmas is a time of the year that reminds us of the importance of love, community, joy and gratitude. It is a season for reflection on the past and hope for the future. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of the true gifts of love, faith, and family.