CHRISTMAS THEN VS NOW: THE ONE THING CONSTANT

Over the years, Christmas gradually stopped being as we remember it. For many of us, growing up, it was a season that announced itself long before December 25th. Harmattan arrived with cracked lips, dusty air and white legs, and the scent of firewood jollof drifted through neighbourhoods. Travelling to the village, attending Christmas carols, the very scary "Father Christmas", rewatching old Christmas classics (Home Alone, Nickelodeon shows etc.) and wearing new clothes, shoes, and colorful glasses were the height of excitement. Oh, the joy that came with our mothers measuring our legs with brooms, to get our shoe sizes! Then, all we really cared about was food, family, community, and celebration. A time was truly had!

However, today’s Christmas tells a slightly different story. For many students and young adults, it’s now “Detty December”. Concerts, social events, and endless outings. The excitement that used to be about Christmas rice has shifted to the thrill of nightlife and seeing favourite artists perform. Instead of being worried whether the tailor would have finished sewing, we now worry about debit alerts, ticket prices, exorbitant Uber prices and very alarming traffic that can turn a short trip into a mini pilgrimage. It has suddenly become a competition of which celebrity has the hottest and finest pyjamas picture. Even the weather has changed. Harmattan’s once brutal presence has softened. Lips don’t crack like they used to, and even Vaseline is almost useless because our skin isn’t looking whitish anymore. The nostalgia is hard to miss.

Yet, despite the evolution, from the concerts to the many expenses and the pressure to “keep up” socially, one thing remains constant: the atmosphere. December still carries that sense of joy, reflection and gratitude. Even when you compare Christmas then vs now, It remains a time of togetherness, thanksgiving, and recognizing the true reason for the season, and that's the beautiful thing about it.

So, whether you spend the holiday attending events or enjoying quiet moments with family, the essence of Christmas endures. And maybe, somewhere and somehow in between the old traditions and the new trends, we’ll continue to find meaning in both.

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year in Advance!