Out with the old, in with the new

As Easter approaches I am reminded of a lot of things, one obviously being the meaning of the season. I have always felt Easter was never really given the big hora, it deserves it has always played second fiddle to Christmas. In my opinion, it shouldn’t. If we all reflect on the meaning of both seasons many of us might see that Easter holds a bigger promise. However, Christmas does have the advantage of being at the end of the year, everyone is pretty much done with that year and looking forward to something new, so I can see why it holds a bigger appeal.

One of the biggest appeals of both seasons has always been traditions. Each year the family gets together and we do pretty much the same thing. Year in, year out. Some traditions I loved, like the promise of 2 eggs and sausages to go with my yam on Christmas morning. Other traditions I didn’t like so much. For example, being forced to socialize with people I saw 4 times in a year. Honestly what exactly was I going to talk to this person about? After the usual pleasantries, each child would retreat to a corner of the room allocated to us and count the seconds until you heard your parents say the magical words “It is time to go home”. 

Loved them or hate them, they were a part of my life and I admit I missed each one when it was no more. Of all the traditions, the biggest one in my life was the presence of family at every occasion. 

No matter what we were celebrating I could count on my family being present, it is safe to say we all have a significant impact on each other's lives. These were happy days for me and I do not think I ever considered what would happen when these days would join the ranks of old traditions.

The day arrived sooner than I was prepared, the first change my primary nuclear family was no longer mummy, daddy and siblings but me, hubby and our future blessings. Imagine trying to explain to your significant other why you want to spend Christmas with your siblings rather than him. Yeah, you all see it, ko le work (It will not work).

The second big change, my number one priority changed. Imagine explaining why you needed to contribute to the purchase of an item for your sibling let’s say in this case a wedding band. When you have not focused on your own necessities as a family. Let’s say a down payment on a house. Again ko le work.

Yes, just like that, a precious tradition became an old tradition. I will be honest and let you all know I struggled, my first Christmas with my new nuclear family was hard and I thank God every day that my younger sister came to visit, without her I might have just been a blubbering mess. I missed it all, the mad dash to the supermarkets to buy everything we did and did not need. The fight to have turkey or not to have turkey, morning mass, opening presents and the drinks. Even my sister who is the biggest miss independent in the world felt the void.

Thankfully there is a massive light at the end of the tunnel, you see without letting go of the old how do we make space for the new. We can try and cramp in as many things in the same space but truth be told when there are so many things clustered in one place how do we truly know and value what we have.

The new is sometimes so much better than the old, but we can never really know this unless we are willing to try. For instance, I discovered there are tons of people just like me not having their extended family who once played a big role in their lives during the holidays. So to fill the void they hold parties. This meant a Christmas without cooking!!!! How many people can boast of that? I end this by asking you to imagine your hands being held out with your fists closed. How can you receive anything that way? Now imagine you with your fists open, isn’t that better you can receive freely from everyone.