Having a complete family reunion is my holiday wish

Holidays, especially in Nigeria, come with excitement and anxiety, as it is a moment to rest from work and relax with family and friends, yet a period when expenses or commitments are high. For a low-budget individual like me, I am least worried about the expenses of the holidays, as most of the items I need for the period have been purchased before now, unless for perishable items and a few other things.

One of my brothers arrived for the holidays from Minna, the capital of Niger State, which coincided with his leave. The family has been excited since his arrival. We still have one of my siblings that is not around; work has not permitted him, but I wish he could join us so we can enjoy the togetherness of the family.

Adulthood comes with responsibilities and the need to individually relocate in search of work or greener pastures. I grew up in a nuclear family, and despite the attempts by a few extended relatives, mostly from the village, to come close to us, we have prudently cautioned our availability and relativity with them. We have held onto one another as tightly as possible, going out of our ways when the need arises.

Perhaps my wish could be termed selfish and impossible, but it definitely would be difficult to achieve or sustain. My wish during this holiday is to have the family together in complete numbers for a significant period of time, maybe two weeks.

IMAGE OF MY FAMILY... without me ☺

The last time we had a complete house was in January 2021, and it was barely for 72 hours. My mom was especially glad for the reunion, and today she stated how she wished my older sibling could also be around during this festive period. Perhaps we may have a family retreat if we were to have a complete family reunion.

We have all missed the atmosphere where we all sit together, laugh over drinks, and reflect on memories of the past while we were growing up. Adulthood brings the necessity of separating siblings further and even from parents, and the holidays are such periods that we tend to use to reunite. For now, I cannot say if we'll be having a complete house anytime soon, but what is certain is that, gradually, responsibilities and adulthood would further limit the chances of experiencing the complete reunion so much desired.

IMAGE OF WE THE MALE SIBLINGS... 2021

You will agree with me that no matter how mature we get, we still enjoy the company of siblings, especially when the house is complete. My oldest brother in the military is most notorious for his unavailability, and sometimes for four years, he may not have leave at work or an opportunity to come around. Sometimes we do group video calls, but you will agree with me that that cannot be likened to us meeting one another physically.

It seems we would just bear with the incompleteness of the family even during this period, but I do not mind for a miracle to gather us together once again.

Thank you for reading. I hope our wishes come true during this holiday. Compliments of the season.