How do we say it in Naija langwej? Why bother about how to say it in awa langwej? It is important because it enables us to deeply reflect on our peculiarities as a people; it provides a ready guide to celebrating krismas fo Naija.
Right now it is common to hear people say, “Christmas is in the air” which in local parlance means, “krismas de flai fo evriwie”, “krismas don rich graund”, “krismas de smel”. The sweet smell of Christmas, like the monsoon breeze, is already blowing across the country reminding Christendom of the D-day: December 25.
It is the desire of all to have a fun filled and memorable Christmas celebration. Since wishes they say were never horses, beggars were never expected to ride on them. Therefore, while some are working out how to celebrate Christmas in style, there are many who are bogged down by thoughts of the day’s meal and probably how to pay the next term’s school fees.
For this category of people, Christmas is not a priority on their “must do” list. Painted differently: as Mista Peter de arenj hau im go tek enjoi krismas, Mista Josef de krak im bren fo hau im go tek setul im bele an im pikin moni fo school fo Januari we de kom. As a matter of principle, there are others who would say they can’t “waste” dia taim thinking about Christmas because for them, it’s “just another day” that will naturally “kom an go”. From such people come comments like; “wetin konsain mi wit krismas?” And the question that usually follows is “hau wi go du am?” which continues to dominate discussions bikos eviritin get as i bi.
There are some Christians like the members of Jehovah’s Witnesses who by their doctrine don’t celebrate Christmas. As we say, evribodi get im stail bot wi nou se if graund levul, nobodi we no go laik to enjoi.
Simply put, Krismas fo Naija means celebrating Christmas in Nigeria; home to the happiest people on earth. One expects nothing but the best from Nigerians whenever there’s cause for celebration. Irrespective of faith, the people of Nigeria are usually united in making every celebration truly memorable.
It is against this background that on the day of any religious festival in Nigeria, Christians and Muslims as well as members of other faiths happily converge with family members in numerous parks, gardens and other venues with family in the spirit of the season. Only recently, Muslims and Christians celebrated the Muslim Eid Kabir religious festival in one accord. As krismas de kom, let’s come together and do what we are known for; enjoy to the fullest with the fear of God.
If what is good for the goose, as they say, is also good for the gander, it behoves us to go into every season of celebration with a general sense of sharing and feeling of consideration for the less fortunate. In this spirit one does not have to be a Christian to lend a hand of support to the person celebrating Christmas. As a Muslim or member of any other faith supporting a Christian at this time is a very good idea because your reward would be bountiful. We are basically a socially- supportive society where one’s true worth is measured by the number of people one has supported or is supporting. The promotion of our values of “family-support” is a major reason why we are still the unique people that we are.
Abeg, no bi evribodi hol pepe. So dia fo, no foget yo nes door nebo, no trowe fes fo pesin we yu nou se graund no levul fo. Givers they say never lack.
Happy Xmas and violence free 2011 in advance.
Mr. Oribhabor is a promoter of Naija (Nigerian Pidgin) and resides in Abuja.Source:234next.com
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