Christmas in Odio Village: A Treasure Trove of Childhood Memories

0
168

Christmas in Odio Village: A Treasure Trove of Childhood Memories

By Akanimo Peters

Ukaba isua ke Idung Odio. As I sit here, reminiscing about my childhood Christmas experiences decades ago, a wave of nostalgia washes over me, transporting me back to the quaint Odio village in Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. Growing up in this serene and picturesque village, surrounded by lush greenery, natural oceans extension to the upland and warm, friendly faces, was a blessing in itself. But Christmas, oh Christmas, was a time of unparalleled joy, a season that brought our tight-knit community even closer together.

I vividly remember waking up early on Christmas morning, the excitement and anticipation building up inside me like a bursting dam. The first thing that caught my attention was the sound of the drums, I can vividly remember my grand mum telling me not to follow the drumbit of the masquerade and step out, that they’ll all come to my grand Dad palace to pay homage. Melodious tunes and voices blending in perfect harmony as they went from house to house, spreading the message of love and joy and the yuletide feeling was unbridle. My siblings and I would quickly get dressed, eager to join in the festivities. Our parents would smile, knowing that this was a day we had been looking forward to for weeks.

As we stepped out of our cozy little house, the crisp morning air would hit us, carrying the sweet scent of freshly cooked food wafting from the nearby kitchens. The aroma of roasted and cooked chicken, fried plantains, and steaming hot rice would tease our taste buds, making our mouths water in anticipation of the sumptuous feast that awaited us. Our mother would have spent hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing the traditional Akwa Ibom dishes that were a staple of our Christmas celebrations.

The village would be transformed into a vibrant spectacle. The sound of laughter, music, and chatter would fill the air, creating an electric atmosphere that was infectious. We would spend the morning playing with our cousins, aunt and uncle, running around, and engaging in all sorts of fun activities, from hide-and-seek to traditional games like ‘nsa isong” and “Ludo.”
As the day wore on, our family would gather around the village square. We would exchange gifts, and I remember the thrill of unwrapping my presents and other surprises that my parents had carefully selected for me. The look of delight on my siblings’ faces as they opened their gifts was a joy to behold, and our parents’ smiles, filled with love and contentment, are etched in my memory forever.

The pièce de résistance of our Christmas celebration was the grand feast that our mother had prepared. The table would be laden with an array of delicious dishes, each one more mouth-watering than the last. We would gather around, hands clasped together, and give thanks for the blessings we had received throughout the year. The food was always a highlight, and I remember savoring each bite, feeling grateful for the love and effort that had gone into preparing such a magnificent spread ranging from Afia efere, afang and foofoo, rice and stew.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the village, we would gather around a tree in the family compound listening to stories of Christmas past, and sharing tales of our own adventures. The stars would begin to twinkle in the night sky, and the sound of Christmas carols would fill the air once more, this time with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude.

Looking back, I realize that my childhood Christmas experiences in Odio village were more than just a celebration of a festive season. They were a testament to the love, unity, and sense of community that defined our little village. Those were days of simplicity, yet profound joy, days that shaped me into the person I am today. As I grow older, I cherish those memories, and I Peters, hope to recreate them for my own children and loved ones, so that they too can experience the magic of Christmas in Odio village.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here