ANNUAL TRADITION OF VISITING HOME AT CHRISTMAS. : Right or wrong? My perspective…
I do not think that it is only in Nigeria that we are fond of traveling home to visit family members. If other people from different parts of the world do so, then it's a global issue that must be treated from the global desk. But be it as it may, Nigerians are known as a set of people who have the habit of traveling to the village at the end of every year, that is during yuletide. There are many reasons for doing this, some people see that as a means to go home and enjoy what they have made for the year with other family members. Others see it as the only way everyone in the family can be united. Whereas, some see it as a way of going for a rest after 12 months of running around for money. Others too have reasons best known to them which are not captured in this write-up. This has become a ritual in the socio-economic and political system of Nigeria. Consequently, it appears absurd for anyone who does not travel home during this period.
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The Igbo tribe in the country are known as the people who are into this ritual. This is so because they are the major tribe amongst others who are known for traveling out of their hometowns to all parts of the country and even across boards. Consequently, it has become an adage that there's no place in the country where you won't find igbos or an Igbo person. Some people attribute this nature to them as a result of their inclination to succeed at all costs. Some say that, anywhere you do not see an Igbo person, it's better to relocate from such a place because it's not productive. Looking around, all of these are true to some extent. Across major cities in Nigeria, it is usually observed that they are deserted and scanty as a result of the absence of the Igbos in them. However, this article is not about the Igbos but about the ritual of traveling home every Christmas.
Everyone ought to travel home and visit their friends and family and also to check up on them but the question that begs for an answer is must it be towards the end of the year? Or do other times seem not to be a perfect time for people to rest and visit their homes? Also, is it a must to visit even when one is not financially stable? The answers to these questions will give one a clue on how important this ritual is because some people feel less of a person because they cannot travel home for some time while others go to the extent of involving in unwholesome activities just to meet up with the demands of annual traveling home.
Life itself is easy but most times we make it complicated for us. We make rules that most times in turn hurt us and then we cry for help. At times we are not always truthful to ourselves and our environment is not helping us either. Who made the rule? Must everyone follow the trend? We have our individual lives to live even till the day we die, we die alone, and if we have this understanding, why would you let what people think about you matter. If you cannot afford to visit home during Christmas you can do it at your convenience. Out of the 12 months in a year choose anyone. Anything you cannot afford, leave it till when you are able but work hard.
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