All Christmases are special to us in Nigeria, to both young and old. The same scenario is repeated all over. It is celebrated by all religions—Christians or Muslims or traditional religions. Even atheists join the celebration.It is a time when everybody travels back to their roots from wherever they are, even like at the time of the birth of Christ; it's a time when extended families, relatives, and kindred get together to celebrate not only Christmas, but also other festivals. It is a time for family meetings, engagements, and marriages. It's a time when all enmity and fights are put on hold.
To us Christmas is not only a day. It runs from December 25th to the 1st of January.
The preparation often starts weeks before the 25th of December, but the celebration begins on the night of 24th. Young ones form into little bands complete with various kinds of drums and musical instruments, and we will sing and dance to the sound of drums from one house to the other, especially to the houses of relatives. We were given gifts of various kinds, including money, just like American kids receive during Halloween. We will also try to outdo each other at fireworks displays, dramas, etc., while others will display masquerades and so forth. We will also dramatize the birth of Christ in various settings and sing songs about Christ as the Savior and Redeemer. Even now I can still remember the songs with nostalgia. There were also the fireworks—very simple ones, but well-loved and cherished.
The Christmas day itself starts with church services. As children, we could hardly sleep for the thought of new clothes and shoes we would get for the day and for the New Year. Nobody is ever too poor to get Christmas clothes. Following this we will again begin to pay visits to relatives, and there is plenty of food and drink. The big family celebrations often occur during this week of Christmas in the house of the oldest male (patriarch) of the clan.
My fondest memories were the Christmas of 1967 and 1968, because I was the star of my peers. In 1967 I got my first suit and in 1968 I got my first complete Agbada (Booboo)—African wear. I really felt like a star and I knew my parents loved me a lot. It was not customary for kids to have suits and a complete African costume at that age at that time. I was the only one among my friends at the time to have these. And I also sang my first soprano solo in the choir. Indeed, I felt like a star. I loved meeting my aunties, nieces, cousins, uncles, and others.
However, the best part is that Christmas is a time when all good things happen. It's the coldest time of the year, it's a time of reunion, it's a time of joy and celebration, it's a time all get gifts and new clothes and dresses, it's a time we all remember the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, the true gift of a loving Father to all His children.