Christmas has always been a time of joy and togetherness in our family and others around the world. This year was no different, though we made it a point to remind ourselves of the true reason for the season: celebrating Christ and the love He brought into the world. It was a day filled with warmth, laughter, and an abundance of shared moments that will be cherished for years to come.
The Morning Hustle and Meal Prep
Christmas morning started early, as it always does in our home. The kitchen quickly turned into a hive of activity with everyone pitching in. This year, I decided to tackle the entire meal prep myself—no outsourcing. (Looking back, I may have been a bit ambitious!) But I wasn’t alone; my kids were eager to help, and their grandma, bless her heart, was an absolute lifesaver in the kitchen. Together, we worked on a menu as rich and colorful as the day itself:
Abacha, a family favorite, was prepared with care. The cassava was finely shredded and perfectly spiced, garnished with ugba and crunchy bits of stockfish for that authentic taste.
Salad, fresh and creamy, was a rainbow of vegetables and mayonnaise goodness. It sat beautifully next to the rice dishes.
Jollof rice and fried rice were, of course, the stars of the table, accompanied by tender, spicy fried chicken.
For dessert and snacking, we had a spread of cakes and the ever-crunchy chin chin, which the kids couldn’t stop munching on.
Drinks flowed freely, from soft drinks for the little ones to sparkling juice for the adults.
It was a real team effort. The kids helped with washing veggies, setting the table, and keeping their little sister entertained, while Grandma handled some of the trickier tasks like seasoning the chicken to perfection.
Guests and Neighborhood Love
Later in the day, guests arrived, filling the house with even more energy and laughter. As part of our family tradition, we exchanged homemade meals with neighbors—abacha, rice, and chin chin in exchange for their delicious offerings. There’s something so heartwarming about this practice; it reminds me of the simple joy of giving and receiving.
Hosting was no small feat. Between making sure everyone was comfortable, serving meals, and keeping the kids entertained, I barely sat down all day. By the end of it, I was utterly exhausted, but seeing everyone enjoy themselves made it all worth it.
Fun and Festivities
After the feast came the real fun. The kids had prepared a surprise dance presentation, and it was nothing short of adorable. They twirled and spun with all the enthusiasm in the world, making up for any missed steps with big smiles and laughter. Watching them, we were reminded of how simple joys often bring the greatest happiness.
We also played games as a family, including charades and card games, which inevitably brought out our competitive sides. There was singing, lots of it, and some impromptu dance battles that had everyone joining in.
Christ, the Center of it All
In the midst of all the laughter and celebrations, we took time to reflect on why we were gathered in the first place. As a family, we read the story of Christ’s birth from the Bible and shared what it means to each of us. It was a humbling moment, reminding us to extend love and generosity not just to one another but to those around us as well.
Christmas isn’t just about the food, the gifts, or even the fun—it’s about love. Christ came to show us the ultimate example of love, and it’s our duty to carry that forward. Whether it’s through a warm meal, a kind word, or lending a helping hand, there’s always a way to share love with the world.
Wrapping Up
As the day wound down, we sat around reminiscing about Christmases past and making plans for the new year. The kids eventually dozed off, one by one, while the adults lingered a little longer, savoring the peace of the moment.
Christmas was everything we hoped it would be—family, fun, and faith. Yes, I was completely drained from all the cooking and hosting, but the smiles, laughter, and shared love made it all worthwhile. Here’s to more days like this, not just on December 25th but throughout the year. And as we go into the new year, let’s carry the spirit of love, generosity, and Christ with us.
How did you spend your Christmas? I’d love to hear your stories!
XOXO,
Nikimandi
