…Taking a nostalgic look at Christmas then and now
I vividly recall the Christmas season growing up in Lagos in the 80s and 90s. First, there would most likely be a change in weather. Early mornings, evenings, and nights would feature a chilly cold. Then harmattan winds would bring in the dust that would subsequently cause the atmosphere to be hazy.
You did not need to be told that Christmas was approaching as the weather changes became more apparent. You could feel the excitement in the air. Streets would be beautifully decorated, stores would play carol music from sunup till sundown, and families would bring out their Christmas trees from storage and hang decorative lights, ribbons, and ornaments.
Radio stations would start playing Christmas songs and carols from the beginning of the month. The TV stations, not to be left out, would also do the same. Stations like LTV 8, NTA Channel 7, and NTA 2 Channel 5 (you are excused if you have no recollection of these TV stations) would also organise Christmas programmes at their stations. Every day leading up to Christmas Day, parents could take their children to the TV stations to visit Father Christmas (or Santa Claus if that is what you call him) and also have fun playing a variety of games and winning presents.
The highlight of these TV station events was being able to “make a request” to wish loved ones Merry Christmas and have it televised on TV. This was an opportunity for children to greet their friends and families. It was often quite funny watching kids say “I would like to make a request to so and so…. I would like to wish them a Merry Christmas” without actually requesting anything (the TV programmes were unlike the radio programmes where one could request a specific song to accompany their greeting). I recall being taken to one of these events with other family members but I am not sure we got to make a request.
Parents would also take their children to visit Father Christmas at any of the superstores: Leventis, UTC and Kingsway (again, you are excused if you have no recollection of these stores but think of Shoprite and you will understand better). For a small fee, the kids would be able to visit Father Christmas at his Grotto, sit on his lap, get a handshake or hug, and then take home a present.
The days leading up to Christmas were filled with so much anticipation and excitement. As children, getting new clothes and shoes were taken for granted (although it may not have happened every year) and that was one major highlight of the season.
We always had a family get-together on Christmas Day which we eagerly looked forward to. Now that I think about it, we saw ourselves often enough before the day so I wonder why longed for Christmas Day. Maybe it was the chance to pig out on different types of food and drinks or the thought of letting loose on the grounds of my uncle’s expansive house where we would congregate for the get-together.
I am not sure if we ever really exchanged presents on the day but I do recall getting presents once in a while. And then we also had a lucky dip now and then. Our parents would have brought various items from hampers and put them together, and then we would all have to pick one gift from the eldest to the youngest, without taking a look at the items. You could get lucky and pick a bottle of fruit wine or a can of biscuits, or you could pick a toothbrush or a pack of tissue papers, and cry your eyes out.
The tradition of meeting up on Christmas Day is one that we have maintained since my childhood. Some years have gone past without us having our annual party for a variety of reasons. Also, we have grown older and people have started their families or moved to other cities, not everyone has been consistently available. Irrespective of this, we remember and reach out to each other.
As I remember the many wonderful childhood experiences that I had, I also recall growing older and realising every day was not Christmas. With greater awareness of money and subsequently, economic issues, I began to understand how much parents sacrificed to ensure their children had a merry Christmas.
Whilst my Christmas experiences may have largely been jolly and fun, growing older made me realise it was not so for everyone else. Not a lot of parents could afford to make the season rewarding for their children. The things many children took for granted (new clothes and shoes, food, fun experiences, etc) were not readily available to many others. Luckily, many people recognise Christmas to be a season of giving and spreading goodwill, so some families can experience some cheer even if just for the season.
Over the years, as the economy has moved in different directions, the feeling of the Christmas season I grew up knowing appears to have continuously waned. It occurred to me a few days ago that the usual Christmas songs on the radio were not as frequent as before. The presence of lights and decorations in public and private establishments have been reduced. Something has changed. Sure, people still have their parties and parents still take their kids to see Father Christmas but that excitement in the air that was prevalent in my childhood does not appear to have been present for a few Christmases now.
For 2020 and 2021, we have had to contend with COVID-19 and its many variants. This time last year, was it the second or third wave? Now, it’s the fourth wave as presented by the omicron variant. For many people, Christmas last year was mellow. Even the regular Detty December activities were absent. No one wanted to catch covid so everyone was being careful.
Things appear to have changed this year though because it seems as though all the activities for last December and this year have been combined into one. So many parties, events, concerts, and despite the potential danger of catching covid19, many Nigerians (actually Lagosians) are still going “outside”. Abeg if you have to go “outside”, be careful so we can celebrate in joy.
As we all relax and have fun, celebrating the season and waiting eagerly for a new year, let us spare a thought for those who are unable to celebrate. Whether it be financial or health, or whatever reason, let us spread love and cheer. The essence of Christmas is in giving and we can make the season memorable for someone in some way and truly spread the essence of the season. This is the way I see things today.