A SEASON TO GATHER, A TIME TO GIVE.

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

         ” A family Christmas like no other “

Christmas at Mama’s House

It was the week before Christmas, and l could already feel the excitement bubbling in the air. My family had a tradition. Every December, no matter where they were, everyone would return to Mama’s house for the Christmas holiday.

               Mama’s house

Mama’s house wasn’t big, but it was always full. Full of laughter, singing, the smell of fried chicken and pilau, and stories that made everyone laugh until they cried. This year, I arrived with a suitcase in one hand. On the other hand, I had a bag of carefully wrapped gifts. Each gift was picked with love for my siblings, cousins, and neighbours.

         Christmas Sunday

On Christmas morning, the family woke up early, dressed in their Sunday clothes, and walked together to church. The choir sang beautifully, and the pastor spoke about love and unity. I sat between my sisters and smiled as my youngest brother dozed off on my shoulder halfway through the sermon.

After church, the real celebration began. Mama had prepared a feast with everyone’s help. Auntie Sarah made me famous chapati. Uncle James roasted goat meat. The children helped set the table outside under the mango tree.

                    Gift sharing

Then came my favourite part—gift sharing. Everyone gathered in a circle. Mama sat in the middle. She wore a big red scarf on her head like a queen. One by one, family members gave out their small gifts—some bought, some handmade, some hilarious. When it was my turn, l handed Mama a soft shawl with her name embroidered on it.

“Oh my!” Mama exclaimed, wrapping it around her shoulders. “Now this will keep me warm while I sit outside with my Bible!”

The laughter, dancing, and storytelling went on until late into the night. The stars appeared in the sky. I looked around at my family. We were close together, our hearts were full, and our faces glowed in the soft light.

I thought, This is why I love Christmas. Not for the gifts, not even for the food—but for these moments. These people. This love.

And deep in my heart, l knew this would be one Christmas led never forget.

      Warm hearts, open hands, one family.