Every 25th December Christmas is celebrated throughout the world! To mark the birth of Jesus Christ; when I was a Jehovah’s Witness we were told not to celebrate Christmas because it was not written in the Bible and Jesus Christ did not celebrate his birthday. There have been many speculations as to the exact date of Christ’s birth; whether Christmas is a Pagan holiday festival or not there is something I find ridiculous about Christmas: that is the mentality that says “Christmas is a season to show love.” I laugh at this statement. Here is what Mother Theresa said which I agree with: “Love is a fruit in all seasons and it is within the reach of every hands.”
Waiting for December 25 before you show love and kindness to your fellow human being is a very silly, lope-sided mentality and attitude! What happened to other months of the year? When Jesus Christ said to “love your neighbours as yourselves” did he say that we should show that love ONLY on December 25?
During Christmas period there is this kind of joy and celebration in the air that is very visible in every body and places. Playing of Christmas songs, Father Christmas (Santa Claus), giving of gifts, buying new clothes, food etc. people want to look special and beautiful on Christmas day (LoL). The way Christmas is celebrated vary from country to country. I learnt that in some countries (especially in non Christian countries) Christmas are not recognized as an holiday period.
In Nigeria, during Christmas period things are exceptionally costly!! People even get to the extent of borrowing money to fulfill their needs. For example, I know of someone who bought Christmas clothes for his children on credit just because he wanted his children to be happy on Christmas day. And what was the result of the debt? He was disgraced as he could not pay up as he promised. This is just one among the numerous ugly cases we hear about during Christmas season in Nigeria. There are cases where a husband and wife will fight because of Christmas celebrations; just because the man did not have money to meet up with the needs of the Christmas. For me, I do not attach any special thing to Christmas. I just believe that showing love and compassion does not have a fixed date!
They say that some people used to have high blood pressure during Christmas in Nigeria because of the pressure they mount on themselves to meet up. We have heard of a situation whereby a wife stabbed the husband to death because he could not give her money for Christmas—to mention but a few! It makes me to start asking: if Jesus Christ was still with us here on earth would he want people to be buying things in exorbitant prices all in the name of celebrating his birthday? Should we be having altercations and negative dramas all because of Christmas?
Maybe it is known in other countries of the world; in Nigeria there is a belief that is well known. The belief is that during Christmas period witches and wizards are always on the lookout for human bloods and dead bodies hence the high rate of accident happens in the December period or at least once we enter the months that ends with “ember.” As a child, I have always heard this statement even till now that I have become an adult! They say the accidents that happen during the December period are caused by evil ones. But I am not surprised to hear such because if you ask me I would ask you back by saying: how far can you see? What do we know? There are lots of things going in the atmosphere that we cannot see things going on in the intangible realm.
To wrap up this blogpost, I have a Christmas story I want to share with you; I read it on Facebook. I found it very funny and I trust you would enjoy reading through it.
X-Mas Humour!!!
Three West Indian men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.
‘In honour of this holy season’ Saint Peter said, ‘You must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven.’
The Trini fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. ‘is ah candle’, he said.
‘You may pass through the pearly gates’ Saint Peter said.
The Bajan reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, ‘Dems bells, ma’an.’
Saint Peter said ‘You may pass through the pearly gates’.
The Jamaican started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women’s panties.
St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, ‘And just what do those symbolize?’
The Jamaican replied, ‘Dem is Carols.’!!!
Copied!
I would love to hear your story on how you celebrated your Christmas holiday and feel free to share with me in the comment below how you celebrate Christmas in your country.
Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year!
Kingsley
Kingsley Osajie 