When we were growing up, we are always happy when we enter into the first "Ember" month which is September because we know December is almost knocking and the beautiful Christmas songs that accompany and start the month makes it more fun. This moment, we are always happy we would be travelling to our hometown to meet with Grandma and other families. Grandpa died when I was in my Secondary School I think but at least it was still fun coming together with families everywhere to celebrate and unite again before we all go back to our destinations.
Many times, we do go home on the 23rd of December so we can celebrate both Christmas and New year at home. It was more fun when my mom was alive because she and other wives made it so. We lost one of the wives then after which my mom died some months later. Since then, the house isn't as fun as it used to be because the other wives refused to come home since those who made it lively and beautiful had died.
But still, we are always happy especially me because this is the time I would see my siblings again. Let's just say since everyone isn't together again, we only see once in a year and that moment, we must spend it in a beautiful way.
When entering into the month of September, I would chat with my siblings to know if they would be coming home. When they confirmed that they would be coming, I will be so happy and I will start preparing for the day. We would have communicated ourselves when to go home. Perhaps one would go first while another will arrive the following day. We always love to make our presence known especially being the first grandchildren of my grandma. They don't take us for granted and we also would make sure we are valued in that house. At least our father is the first born as at now since all his elder ones had died.
Finally, we would be home and everyone of us would hug each other and thank God for a beautiful year. Then, work starts. We would kill goats and most times, our Aunts would send cows home to be killed for celebration. Those with pepper, others will Ingredients to use and the following day, we are outside making plans, cooking and merrying as families.
My grandma is a well known woman in the village and crowned the woman of the whole town even at her age (90yrs) Mama is still looking agile and it amazes me to see that she doesn't use glasses at her age and can still see and read Bible. Mama is a devoted Christan and a retired teacher. She is the one who taught I and my siblings how to read and write in Yoruba Language.
Most times, she uses walking stick but on other days, she prefers to walk without it. Don't worry, I will show you guys my grandma soon perhaps when I go home😋😋
My younger sister doesn't miss bringing home peanuts and other goodies but don't be surprised she is in charge of it and would keep it with her in the room. There are many rooms to accommodate everyone even if we have visitors. They will see where to sleep. There is an extension in our building and I would be proud to tell you that after the king's house which isn't far from our house, our building is the next. So you should know how big our house is.
The king will always come around once or twice a week to check up on us and we then gist together because of Grandma's Position in the village. That's to show you how we were so close to the King through our Grandma.
The last time we took our mom home to be buried, people who followed us home couldn't close their mouths because all their plans was to find an hotel but there was enough space each for them to sleep and eat. Many families would always come to visit us when they know the family of OMOYIWOLA is around.
"Omoyiwola" means (A child being rolled into wealth)
You know as a popular grandma's children, we are always proud to show ourselves in the church and around the neighborhood as a city children compared to village ones. 😄
The fun moment is when we all marched on to church for the crossover night. We don't miss this moment. Before then, we would all come together to rehearse a song to be sang in church when it's our turn. There is one of our family friend who would come around to rehearse with us and service was always interesting then.
I have also chatted with him some days ago and sent him a song we would sing together. So he can be rehearsing as from now😅
So, enough of story and let me announce to you that I have already chatted my sisters and brother if they would be coming home. My elder sister is still contemplating because according to her, she doesn't think she would be given break at her place of work but I begged her to try and come because home wouldn't be sweet without her and others. I even teased her that if she doesn't go, I won't go too. I trust my younger sister because she will definitely show up. We both have a room as we want to stay together while my elder sister has her own apart from other children and their parents.
I already told her to bring many peanuts and goodies when coming, I will surely send her money for it. Also, planning on giving Mama something too and my Dad since he is at home with her. I can't wait for December to show up so we can assemble together in the house and praise God for His faithfulness over the year again.
I believe you enjoyed my story this time around? 🙈😁😁
Thanks for reading.
Also, I am sorry if I didn't visit your article yesterday. I was observing my health because I was feeling the temperature from church and some people are telling me it might be typhoid again but I prayed to God that I don't want to be sick. Right now, I am not feeling anything in me. I don't want to be sick at all 😣😣
|September 06, 2021|
At my age, I'm always happy when Christmas approaches. It's a moment for me to travel home and spend time with friends and relatives in my hometown. A lot of people return home and there are lots of events to spice up the period. Last Christmas was my best yet. I hope this will top it.