What does Christmas mean to you? To some it means family time, to some it means presents and to others it means a few days off work to relax and recuperate. For Christians however, it is a time in which they reflect on the birth of their Saviour, Jesus Christ. Whatever the meaning for you, you should take some time to appreciate the gift of life and thank your lucky stars that you’re alive to see Christmas 2014.
If I was to ask you, how do you bring Christmas home (to Africa)? What would you say? Can you imagine a Christmas without the tree, decorations, bright lights and Christmas music? Oh, and not to forget “Santa Claus” (did you know that the red and white theme was actually initially used to promote Coca Cola?) Think about it, until you see and hear these things, no matter how hard you try, it would never feel like Christmas. I guess it adheres to the “seeing is believing” adage, (even in Nigeria). Regardless of where you are in the world, one would always know when it is the festive season. At the build up to Christmas, there is always crazy traffic (more than usual) and don’t get me started on the unbearable long queues in supermarkets, shopping malls, (and just about everywhere). I’d say that the long and short of it is that no matter where you are in the world, the fundamental elements that exemplify Christmas are there… on different scales of course, but they are there nevertheless. One could argue that these are the ways in which we “bring Christmas home” wherever we are.
My most memorable Christmases as a child were those where I was surrounded by family and loved ones, music and mum’s food…memories that linger for years. I would encourage us all to create loving memories this Christmas, make it the best one yet…instead of focusing on the negative things that have occurred in the last 365 days, concentrate on the positive.
Christmas is most known to be the season of love, kindness and gratitude. If you’re not feeling in the festive mood yet, put some music on… a good old sing song of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” will soon put you in the festive frame of mind, or if you’re more of the traditional type, a nice song of “O’ Holy Night” will surely do the trick.
We asked some of our ELTV fans what Christmas means to them and what they’re most grateful for, here are some of their replies:
“Christmas means showing love and being compassionate to one another”, Queensley Okoye
“A time to show more love and share happiness”, Olaniyi Oluwatosin
“I’m most grateful for life and good health”, Ganiyu Olaide Williams
“I’m grateful for good health & God’s blessings in my family. For my friends & relatives. For promotion & a new job. For love.”, Ugonna Lancaster Okoro
A very Merry Christmas to all our sponsors, partners, clients, staff and of course our fans! Wishing you all the blessings this season has to offer and see you in the New Year…!