I am one of those people who make so much fuss over their birthdays and Christmas, I totally love the way both celebrations make me feel.
I should think of something Charming to Write about, decorations are already coming up, people are already making plans with family and friends....
There is something about the holiday season which makes everyone excited. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what religion you practice, the euphoria, the child like excitement that comes with the end of year buzz is infectious. I promised myself I would not start talking about Christmas, like a kid expecting Santa to come down the chimney. So, as much as possible, I told myself to act coy/matured and avoid the word Christmas, at least till the first of December. But that ain't happening -apparently. I was with my buddies in Abuja over the weekend, and we talked about the haze.Once I see haze, as far as I am concerned it means the “C” word is coming. The haze that comes with Harmattan from my childhood days, has always been our own version of a white Christmas, so when Oyinbo people are singing I am dreaming of a white Christmas, I confidently join in, thanks to the Harmattan haze.
Harmattan+ Cold= Christmas
But have you all noticed how different it has been over the last couple of years, the weather is dry, but it is never really cold on Christmas mornings anymore, all you get is the barest sign of Harmattan, making our Christmas a dusty and hot day as opposed to my equation above. Who messed up my equation? Is it the greatly depleting ozone layer?
Anyhoo, before I get all scientific out of sadness over my lost Harmattan , let me delve into the gist for today.
Euphoria is the only word that can describe how I felt when I woke up this
morning. Maybe it was it the anticipation of something I am currently working on, or was it the thought of my very dear friend BEE’s birthday ? Then it hit me, it was just the excitement of being alive and well, and getting closer to the realization of the things I asked God for at the beginning of the year 2012! Then I got really fired up, I love the idea of 2012 coming to an end, it has not been one of my best years, there has been too much to deal with this year, but through it all God has come through in so many ways, and I don’t take that lightly.Think about it, we all started this year with great expectations, wonderful plans; some got their desires while others haven’t. For those who haven’t gotten close to their desire, hang in there, the best thing about God, is that he doesn’t work the way we do, so trust me on this, thirty one days is more than enough time for God to come through for you. And instead of sulking and wondering why your life seem so crappy, try and focus on making someone else’ wishes come to pass.
Just curious here, what are your plans this Christmas? Going on a vacation? Planning to spend it with friends and family? I really do not have it all figured out yet, I know I will be spending Christmas with my folks, and I have a get-outta-town plan brewing with some friends as well. One of my younger brothers started out something in his teens, he would go visit an orphanage at Christmas, he might have little or nothing to give them, but he would actually go play with the kids! I found this quite impressive because it is not something I would do, so I just support the good deed financially, this year I think I will go with him and go spend some time with the kids too.
You do not necessarily have to visit an orphanage, there are so many people in need around us, if we would only look around, spare some thoughts and some change for those less privileged, those that are without families, those whose Christmas might be looking a bit bleak. It’s a season to be merry and bright, so I have just shared my little tip for the season, do something good for someone in need, something that will make this Christmas a very memorable one, put the sparkle in someone’s Christmas, and for once don’t just buy gifts for family and friends, do something for someone who least expects it. Seriously, go out of your comfort zone, reach out to those in need, the widows, orphans, the destitute or even that guy who handles all your menial chores, you don’t know the excitement you will be bringing to his kids with a nice juice pack that you take for granted, or that box of chocolate which is a constant feature in your fridge.
Bottomline is, just make is a point of duty to share the Joy, and the wonderful news of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ by actions and not mere words.
