Routines For The Rest Of The Year

The yuletide season is one of the most beautiful times of the year when the year is gradually coming to an end, you can feel the change in the air. The harmattan breeze starts to blow, nights becomes cooler and the road is filled up with people travelling from cities back to their villages. Christmas songs begin to play in buses and markets everywhere you turn. Yuletide is not just a holiday but a season of reflection, gratitude, love and togetherness.

As the yuletide season approaches, my plans are simple but meaningful. I may not have the luxury of expensive vacations but I believe the true joy of the season is all about being present with the people who matter most. For me, the end of the year is a time to slow down, look back at the journey of the past months and appreciate how far I have come. It is a time to thank God for life, strength and provision even when the year did not go exactly as planned.

One of my biggest plans is to spend time with my family. To me family is everything, I have been away from home for like two years because of school, I have always longed to go home but I don't want to go until I have graduated, so now I travelled home recently and I want to spend this time with my family bonding again.

No matter how busy or far apart we may be during the year, Christmas has a way of pulling everyone back together. There is something special about sitting in the same living room, sharing stories, laughing at old memories and sometimes even arguing over small things that do not really matter.

Going home for the holidays is always an experience on its own. The long journeys, the crowded motor parks and the endless traffic are all part of the story. Even though the stress can be overwhelming, the joy of arriving home makes it worth it. Seeing familiar faces, greeting neighbours and being welcomed with warm smiles reminds me of where I come from. It grounds me and gives me a sense of belonging that cannot be replaced.

Food is another major part for me in this season because I have missed my mum's delicacies so much. During this season, no house is complete without the smell of delicious meals, from jollof rice and fried rice to chicken, cat fish and assorted soups, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home. My plan is not just to eat but to also help in the preparation. There is some kind of bonding when cooking together as a family, sharing jokes and tasting food straight from the pot.

However, this season is not only about celebration, it is also a time for reflection. As the year comes to an end, I like to take time to sit quietly and think about the little wins and the lessons the year has taught me. I reflect on my successes and failures, the opportunities I missed and the ones I embraced. This period allows me to reset my mind and prepare for the coming year with clarity, purpose and the right strategies.

In this season, there may be moments during the yuletide when I choose solitude, not out of loneliness but for peace. Spending time alone allows me to reconnect with myself, set personal goals and pray about the year ahead.

My plans for the yuletide season are simple but intentional. I plan to spend time with family and friends, enjoy good food, rest well, reflect deeply and give back where I can. The season is not about how much money we spend or how loud our celebrations are but it is about love, gratitude and togetherness.

Note: All pictures were generated on Meta AI