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This is for the ones who ideally wouldn’t spend Christmas in the way they’re about to.

You are not alone.

It’s December 19^th, 2022, and somehow, Jennifer has managed to fall sick again. But this time it’s different; I have more energy than usual, just not enough to stay awake all day and focus on any task. Last year, I caught COVID on Christmas Eve, and spent both Christmas Day and New Year’s home alone. No, it wasn’t as horrible as it sounds. I cooked myself a meal, baked a cake, even dressed up on New Year’s Eve and watched a church service online.

Okay fine, it sounds horrible still.

The previous year was better; I spent it with Mum and my brother (thanks to lockdown, we were stuck together in a white villa somewhere in the heart of Lomé, and we had the time of our lives!), but don’t even get me started with 2019… A layover with people I didn’t necessarily want to spend important dates with. No offense.

Still, the way I spend all my holiday seasons since I left home to this day, reminds me that I am indeed a family girl, and has me contemplating if I want to live this way for the rest of my life: mostly gone, rarely present, always tired, ironically only resting when she’s ill.

I grew up with the letters to Santa, new outfits for Christmas church service (because Jesus loves a good fashion show, doesn’t He?), driving to church with my parents at 8PM, leaving behind a twinkling Christmas tree with a creche at its feet, which would mysteriously transform into Christmas presents when we’d get back after midnight. The thrill, the joy, the “Oh my God, Santa got me the exact toy color to match my bedroom!”

(Fun fact: I stopped believing in Santa Claus at age 9. Some say I was extremely naïve as a child; I just think I have the best parents on the planet.)

But enough about me. Someone is reading this and missing their family or wishes they could experience a hint of Christmas magic this year. Others will never admit it to themselves and that’s also okay. Just remember that you are not alone, I am right here with you in the same boat, and I wish us all to find joy in the things we have and look forward to the ones we don’t have yet.

For example, if you’re single with no kids, find joy in saving money on gifts while the rest of the world is going bankrupt, and simultaneously look forward to spending all that saved money on your future beautiful wife/husband and kids when they come.  By doing that, you give yourself room to be grateful, and you know what they say about gratitude? It attracts blessings.

Don’t forget to check on your loved ones, invite your friends for coffee, send them a funny video, ask if you can join them for Christmas lunch, and don’t shy away from all the affection you will receive during this holiday. And remember,

Christ is the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas everyone

Love,

Jenn