The scent of simmering afang soup and chicken filled Mama’s kitchen, as we gathered to celebrate her birthday on Christmas day. My dad brought home cartons of soft drinks, while Mama’s sisters helped prepare the feast. Fried rice, my mom’s favorite, along with a birthday cake I had baked myself. Soon her sisters and brother arrived with all their children - our home overflowing with holiday love.
Over steaming plates, we recalled past celebrations where we had all once been small, eyes lit by magic. My cousins shared news of their family, things we didn't know and ones we needed update on, as little ones chased each other playing games, never tiring of laughter. We paused to sing happy birthday, thanking God for our mother abiding health and humor.
In the evening, my younger sister decided to style the kids' hair in bright braids and patterns, after a while we decide to do a tiktok trend which i found very funny but all still added as memories for year's to come, my sister posted the video here so I don't want to re post it again, but I will leave a link to her own post so you can watch the video.
my Image
The smallest children dozed in Mama's lap as she shared wisdoms passed down long before her. No shortage of smiles as each relished playing their special role , father pouring drinks, siblings telling stories, keeping customs alive to anchor this new generation.
My sisters, husband and I and my parents
However loud and joyful our gathering grew, a wholeness filled each moment together. The food long gone cold, no one hurried away from such warmth found in these walls made sacred by memories. However far any may someday roam, here always we find open arms
As the sun sank low behind the palm trees, a cool evening breeze fluttered through the courtyard where our family had gathered after the hearty birthday feast. My uncle Moses arrived, bearing an earthen jug of rich palm wine freshly tapped from the tree behind his farm. “No be fitting we celebrate this day without something special from my own crops” he declared with a proud grin. He had a farm in abeokuta where he worked and he had been so kind enough of bring some of the goodies from there, We passed enameled tin cups around while Uncle poured out measures of the fragrant local vintage for all, though only the elders savored its sweet fermented taste. Laughter and reminiscing rippled through the twilight hours as we traded sips and stories of celebrations from days of yore now woven into legend. With souls nourished and uplifted in equal share by the drink and company, we lingered gratefully under the cool night sky and first faint stars, toasting to the health of my mom and blessings of seasons yet to come.
The Holiday isn't over for me, because we have it planned to take the kids to an amusement park which will be done before the new year, more fun and memories to create together. In the coming days, our entire extended family - all generations ,will enjoy a festive trip to the lively theme park right in our city. We'll enjoy bringing smiles to the children's faces as they experience colorful rides and joyful attractions to wrap up the holidays on a thrilling note. Before regular school and routines start up again in January, we have this wonderful chance for yet more togetherness and adventure as an unforgettable grand finale this season.
My Entry to the hive learners prompt
