Cheers to Christmas Cheers and Crafting Holiday Happiness

As we dust off the tinsel and hang the mistletoe, it’s time to dive headfirst into the whirlwind of festivities! The holiday season is upon us, and oh, what a merry time it is! But let’s not just deck the halls…Nah! Let’s unravel the delightful, and downright quirky traditions that make this season a standout spectacle. There are the ridiculous shoppers who purchase and vacate the cities and towns to visit their ancestral homes while they hop from village to village.  
 

Despite the implications of widespread rains locally, the actual situation on the ground has been a confusing surge in temperatures, with the sun shining brighter than ever, alongside a sudden deluge of rainfall! Like in Kenya, counties have invested heavily in disaster management with some like Nairobi County budgeting for ‘boats’ to be used in combating flooding in the city. Ambitious, right? 🤭 Who even called El Niño, El Niño?! What does the “little boy” have to do with the weather patterns? Well, let me drop some knowledge on you! This “little boy’s” influence goes beyond just weather disruptions! It can affect marine life leading to changes in fish migration patterns etcetera. But moving on swiftly and sprinkling a bit of intrigue into the holiday mix, ever wondered why we hang socks for a man in a sleigh to fill with gifts? Charming but also quirky… It’s like leaving a snack for a magical home-invading visitor—only in the form of stockings. Are we trying to impress Santa with our sock choices? “Oh, Santa, look at these festive reindeer socks I left out for you!” The mystery of the holiday-sock exchange persists, adding a touch of humor to our yuletide ponderings. Hold on, does Santa exist? Is he always a benevolent, gift-giving figure? How much do you believe a fat old man will come to give you your favorite PlayStation games and a designer bag you always wanted? But for full disclosure, Santa can quit giving gifts we need money now!!!  

Picture this, an army of gingerbread men marching into our homes, infiltrating our kitchens, and claiming their sweet dominance! Yes, the festive season heralds the rise of the sugar army. From cookies to candy canes, it’s a dessert takeover like no other. Resistance is futile so surrender to the sugar rush! Traditions are timeless connecting us to our roots and fostering a sense of continuity. The festive traditions are particularly not merely in their repetition but in the emotions, they evoke—the warmth of shared laughter, the joy of familiar scents, and the comfort of rituals that transcend generations. Whether it’s the cherished recipes passed down through generations, the annual tree decorating ritual, or the communal gathering around the fireplace, traditions are vessels of shared memories and cultural richness. 

Not forgetting, as the festive season beckons with glittering lights and tempting displays, it’s easy to succumb to the allure of extravagant spending… well this cannot go unsaid! However, let wisdom be your guide, for the choices made now reverberate into the coming year. While it’s natural to indulge in the joy of giving and receiving, a mindful approach to expenditure can prevent financial burdens in the months ahead. 

As the curtain falls on another chapter of our lives, and the year unfurls its final pages, it’s only fitting to pause and reflect on the journey we’ve traversed. December, with its crisp air and festive allure, invites us to not only celebrate but to introspect, to cherish traditions, and to approach the season of giving with thoughtful consideration. While you play your favorite piece, imagine your year as a canvas that’s woven with a myriad threads—some vibrant and exciting, others subdued and challenging.  

Then take a moment to ask the question. What achievements have painted your canvas with pride? What lessons lurk in the shadows of setbacks, waiting to be acknowledged? Reflecting on the peaks and valleys of the past year is always a great start for self-discovery and growth. In the quiet spaces between holiday festivities, delve into your reservoir of experiences. What were the pivotal moments that shaped your narrative? Celebrate the victories, both big and small, they were worth your sweat! Consider the goals you set at the year’s onset—have they been achieved, altered, or surpassed? Engage in a dialogue with your aspirations, acknowledging the fluidity of dreams and the resilience of your spirit. 

As we bid adieu to the familiar and embrace the unknown, let reflection, love for traditions, and smart financial choices be the guiding stars illuminating our path into the unwritten pages of the new year. May the tapestry of your life be woven with resilience, joy, and the wisdom of lessons learned. 

Before you go, let me pose this riddle, what if Santa’s sleigh had an Afrobeat soundtrack? Which African artists would make the ultimate holiday playlist?  

Until next time, may your days be merry and your mysteries be mirthful! 🎄😊🎄