Making a Lonely Christmas Day Special with Okra Soup

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This year’s Christmas was a combination of loneliness , relaxation and excitement for me, as I didn't spend it with my family and didn't even had plans to attend any church service that day. The day began with a delightful surprise as I woke up to the mouthwatering aroma of stew spreading in from my neighbor’s kitchen. At that moment, I realized that Christmas Day had finally arrived. Away from the enticing aroma of Mama Obi's stew, my next-door neighbor was busy getting her children ready for church. Meanwhile, I was alone, still in bed, scrolling through my phone. I had no intention of attending church that morning and was only thinking about what I will eat once I finally left my room.

While still immersed in my thoughts, a call came in, Lo and behold, it was my mum calling to wish her son a Merry Christmas. We had a nice conversation, but surprisingly, the call ended without her asking what I wanted for Christmas. As I hung up, I thought to myself, "Is this adulthood?" By then, it was just past 11 a.m. I got up, tidied up the room, and took care of the small house chores typical for a bachelor. Later, I made a few calls to friends to wish them a Merry Christmas.

After racking my brain about what to prepare for Christmas, and also to make my own kitchen come alive with delicious aroma, I decided to cook okra soup, It feels strange for a Christmas Day food, right? not my favorite kind of soup though, but I wanted to do something different from the normal Christmas day rice with stew. After writing my list, I headed to the popular Akpan andem market. The market was alive with activity as people scurried about, buying items for their Christmas feasts. I managed to get fresh vegetables, fish, meat and spices, all essential for my soup. On my way back, I chose to celebrate Christmas by covering the transportation fare for everyone in the tricycle I boarded. The joy on their faces, especially the elderly women, and the blessings they offered truly brightened my day.

Back home, I started preparing the meal with a soft music in the background. The taste was heavenly. And I asked myself if Christmas can really be celebrated without cooking fried rice, rice with stew, and white soup. Truly , my Christmas day was made special just because of a pot of okra soup. After finishing the first two wraps of eba (fufu), I fell asleep again.

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As the evening approached, I decided to step out and unwind at a popular sit out nearby. The place was lively, filled with laughter, music, and the cheerful chatter of people celebrating the holiday. I located an empty sit and went straight there, sat down , order a bottle of chill drink and the needful was done. I enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, sipping on a drink and reflecting on the simple yet fulfilling moments of the day , while thinking of my remaining okra soup at home. In all, my Christmas was a memorable moments, and relaxation garnished with Okra soup .

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