For the last and final time, public service announcement to people outside Russia, Christmas is not celebrated on the 25th of December, it is celebrated in January- January 7th.
People are always in shock when I have to explain to them that I just finished classes on Christmas day or I had a test I needed to read for. Yeah yeah, Christmas (at least December 25) is like any other day in this part of the world. There is no public holiday and we all go to work and school.
To be honest, out of the 4 Christmas celebrations I’ve had since I arrived in Russia, this one felt very strange in many ways.
First of all, just three days before Christmas, I came down with the flu, which was already not a good sign. I didn’t really have high hopes because Christmas day is not special in this part of the world but the loneliness and sadness I felt this year was different.
Omo, the matter long no be small. Plenty of things were contributing to it and I was not just feeling right.
Next thing, my account was not smiling, I didn’t even have money to celebrate or take myself out. And the thought of eating pizza or any junk food on that day felt like haram. I just wanted to eat good, hot food, but who am I kidding- I am alone in Russia.
Let’s not forget that I had the flu and my head was feeling like it was going to fall off.
The third thing that vexed me that day, was my class ehn, this man just kept talking and talking. Like it is my Lord and Saviour we are celebrating today- at least allow me to breathe, no o!
The man was just going on about many pointless stories, and trust me it was not related to the course at all. I was honestly praying for the class to be over while dreading all the exams that are still coming at me in January.
As I got to the bus stop close to my hostel like this, gbam, my mum called. At least they remembered me this Christmas. As usual, everyone was in celebration mode. I sha asked what they cooked, and you won’t believe it! They started listing the foods: cow head, goat meat stew, jollof rice- there was even swallow and my favourite local soup.
And here I was, I couldn’t even remember what I had for breakfast. I was so hungry as I was trudging through the snow and they started gisting me about how the day was going. By the time the call was over, I was only wishing I was at home.
I spent the rest of the evening replying to the usual festive season texts and writing to important family members that I dare not wish a Merry Christmas.
Later I was on Instagram going through the notorious pyjamas Christmas pictures and sweet sweet delicacies from different families. As the single pringle that I am, I just kept saying, “Awwwwn. Must be nice” and liking their posts so I won’t be tagged a hater.
I decided it was time to eat around 19:00. Men and brethren, I did not have anything in my fridge, so I settled for fried eggs and boiled potatoes eventually. Eggs and boiled potatoes on Christmas day? Yes o, wetin man go do. I was halfway through my plate and the food was not even tasting well. I ended up putting the rest away.
The rest of the day was rather uneventful, I did some school work and I joined my friends to wail about another Christmas away from home. All in all the day passed like any other, I am grateful to God for being able to witness another Christmas celebration.
I am also grateful to be in Russia, even though it means I can’t enjoy all the Christmas festivities, I know it’s just for a while. I’m still grateful for the friends and family I have here in Russia and I’m looking forward to when I will experience the festive period at home again.
Merry Christmas and happy new year in advance, people!
