Christmas is a special celebration around the world. Its a special day especially for Christians all over the world. Its a day people look forward to. Its a season of love, joy, sharing and celebration. I have spent most of my Christmas in my Country Nigeria and I must say its a day most Nigerians anticipate for from the beginning of the year. But having spent my last two christmas away from home, I noticed the way its celebrated its quite different around the world. There are a few similarities but the feel is different and I want to talk about what christmas is like back home in Nigeria Vs how it is celebrated in Canada which is the only other place I have ever spent christmas.
Christmas in Nigeria is a big deal, its a time when people want to spend time with their families. People travel across to world just to be home for christmas. People within the country also travel to their villages just to spend time with their parents, siblings and other relatives who they haven't seen in a while. A typical christmas eve in Nigeria, families have parties at home or even go out to party somewhere. Its a time when people want to go out to have fun and spend all the money they have been stashing since January....lol. Its so much of a big deal that some people want to change their cars just for christmas. Children play fire crackers in the neighbourhood and have lots of fun. When I was a kid christmas was a time my parents would let me play as much as I want, go to the neighbours and spend time playing. It was the only time in the year my siblings and I were allowed to do what ever we want....ok maybe not everything we want, but my parents are usually lenient at that time of the year. On Christmas morning some families will spend time in church to give thanks to God, while some stay home cooking, eating and receiving visitors all day. Its a season when extended families gets together to catch up on whats new. Also its a wedding season at this time, a lot of weddings take place at this time, may be not on Christmas day but after christmas till the new year is a wedding season in Nigeria. I can go on and on about christmas in Nigeria because its a wonderful experience that Nigerians don't want to miss out on. Exchanging gifts its not mostly our culture, but Nigerians mostly like to send edible gifts and hampers to their family, friends and even colleagues at work. People prefer to visit and just feast and merry together. Also Nigeria consume a lot of alcohol during this time. Ok coming to Christmas in Canada.
Christmas day in Canada is a day of celebration when Canadians exchange gifts and share festive meals. Many Canadians are usually off work on the 25th and spend time with their families exchanging gifts and meals and also attending church service. The tradition centered on gifts is so strong that children are made to believe that Santa brings gifts and candy. They are made to believe that santa travels on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, enters the house through the chimney and leaves presents and candy....lol. Some families just exchange gifts without the mythical santa claus idea. Christmas lunch is a big deal and most Canadian families have a large meal with stuffed or dressed roasted turkey.
Most places are usually closed as spending time at home with their family is very important to them.
Having spent Christmas in both places with all the differences, regardless its all about spending time with family. Family is key and if you ask me is the best gift from God. So as you spend time with your family remember Jesus is the reason for the season and family makes the season worth the while..
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR....
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