As we finally entered the Christmas week, the harmattan intensified as if to notify us of its arrival.
The environment is quite bubbly, though admittedly not as bubbly as it used to be in the previous years which is mostly due to the hardship the people in my country experienced this year.
Image is mine
I have only heard the sound of fireworks once since this week, unlike in previous years when I would have heard it multiple times even before the Christmas week itself.
End of year parties have been done on a "lower key" than normal. Little publicity and no room for external bodies to participate has become the norm. Even members who don't commit financially may find themselves ousted.
All these are understandable given the economic situation of the country right now. People are making efforts to be as conservative as possible inorder to have something to fall back on, people are struggling and stampeding each other just to get a small quantity of rice.
I observe all these with a shake of the head.
So, while others duel on the season,the financial aspect, the ceremonial part of it and the possibilities ensuing after it, I on the other hand I'm just a silent observer, semi-detached from the general occasion and only involving myself as much as my family wishes to while encouraging them to "no do pass their self". Moderation is my watch word.
A few days ago, we were discussing the price of things especially the essentials for the season and I noticed how worried my mum was at the prospect of not celebrating as much as last year. I was quick to encourage her to not dwell on the financial involvements but be at peace with everything going on knowing full well that things are not as bad as they seem and we have every reason to celebrate, like having the gift of life, health and family. These may be overlooked but are not small in any way.
Just yesterday, a friend called me about an outreach he was organising for the less privileged. Hitherto, I was aware of the outreach but too busy to make inputs.
So when he called, he needed advice on how to incorporate a medical outreach into it. After explaining the cost involvement, he realized that it would further stretch an already overstretched budget so we decided to keep it as cost effective as possible.
Image is mine
This means that today, I would be in an outreach, discharging medical advice and helping those who come around for free.
Usually, I would be in celebration mood and have little or no time to engage in it but still, I am glad to be doing this.
After making arrangements for the outreach, I went on to my usual fun activity; playing snooker. I played a couple of games with my friends before retiring for the day.
Image is mine
This morning again, I am already at the table, I would play a few games to get myself active before I prepare and go for the outreach I talked about earlier.
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