A HOME ALONE CHRISTMAS

not the movie, but our reality this season

As a child, Christmas was my favourite time of the year. I would eagerly count down to when the Christmas lights began to twinkle, when my mum would measure our feet with a broomstick to take the measurements for our new shoes (a classic African mother move!), and when the house would be filled with the comforting aroma of jollof rice, fried plantains, and the sweet scent of Christmas cakes.

It wasn’t just the gifts or the decorations that made it magical—it was the feeling of togetherness, of everyone in their place, sharing in the joy of the season.

As an adult, I still relive these memories and enjoy the bliss of spending Christmas with family. The laughter, the shared meals, and the feeling of belonging. All these add to the beauty of the season.

As an adult, I still relive these memories and enjoy the bliss of spending Christmas with family. The laughter, the shared meals, and the feeling of belonging. All these add to the beauty of the season.

However, this year is different.

For the first time in our almost three years of marriage, my husband and I decided to spend Christmas alone. Just the two of us. No visits, no visitors. It’s a big change for both of us considering how much we’ve cherished the bustle of family gatherings.

But there’s something about this quiet Christmas that feels right. It’s a rare opportunity to pause, breathe, and simply be. I’m realising that it’s not the noise or the crowds that bring the magic. Rather, it’s the simple moments shared in solitude. Our plan for Christmas was simple: bed out in the living room, eat, see movies, gist, sleep, and just enjoy each other’s company without any rush or distraction. There’s no pressure to be anywhere or anything.

Let me walk you through how Christmas went for us:

A Light Breakfast

In my husband’s words, “You need a light breakfast on Christmas morning to leave enough room for Christmas food for the rest of the day.”

Well, who am I to argue with that? The mere thought of ‘Christmas food’ has always been exciting, and this year was no exception.

I know, I know—I eat every day, so what’s so special about eating on Christmas Day? Let’s just say it’s a vibe, okay? ??

Bed Out in the Living Room

Next to Christmas food, any opportunity to move our bed to the living room makes me giddy. I’m talking about the kind that comes with receiving Christmas clothes and shoes as kids—the kind that has you grinning from ear to ear for no apparent reason.

There’s just something about turning your living room into a cozy nest. It’s like the rules of the house suddenly don’t apply, and everything feels a little more magical.

The feeling isn’t something I can completely put into words. You have to experience it firsthand if you haven’t already. It’s simply…MAGNIFIQUE!

Movie Selection

Trust me when I say I left no stone unturned. How could I, when I already had a vision of how this season was going to play out?

I curated the perfect lineup of Christmas movies, carefully selected and waiting for that one magical moment—to hit play. And let’s be honest, no Christmas movie selection is complete without the evergreen, classic, and utterly brilliant Home Alone.

For real, is it even Christmas without Kevin McCallister’s shenanigans?

Let’s just say we had a lit Home Alone Christmas!

Now, to My Favorite Part (If I Were Asked to Pick Just One)

Christmas Foooooood!

Ah, the long-awaited highlight of the day. There’s just something about Christmas food that makes it special. It’s not just the taste—it’s the entire experience. The market runs, the preparation, the aromas wafting through the house, and even the first taste.

We had our meal while watching a movie, pausing occasionally to share our thoughts about a scene or laugh over something that caught our attention.

It wasn’t just about eating or watching—it was about connecting, about creating a moment that felt uniquely ours. And if there’s one thing Christmas does so well, it’s reminding you that the simplest moments, shared with someone you love, are the ones that stay with you the longest.

There was no rush to clean up, no pressure to be anywhere else. Just us and the silent hum of contentment that filled our home.

We talked, we laughed, and occasionally, we slipped into comfortable silences. The kind that comes when you’re completely at ease with someone.

The rest of the day was a blur of cozy activities: a mix of napping, more gisting, and even a few impromptu moments of playful banter. It wasn’t extravagant or overly planned, but that’s what made it so beautiful.

It was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to celebrate is to strip away the noise and simply focus on the joy of being together.

And as the day came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for the quiet, for the love, and for this little slice of peace that will forever stand out as one of my favorite Christmas memories.

So, that’s how Christmas went for us this year.

It reminded me that the best celebrations aren’t about grandeur but about the love and joy shared in the little things. Simple, intimate, and oh-so-beautiful.

I know that Christmas doesn’t always come with a crowd for some. Maybe you’re spending this season alone, separated from family, or feeling the absence of loved ones. If that’s you, I want you to know you’re not alone.

Sometimes, silence is an invitation to reflect, rest, and rediscover what makes you feel whole. In this quietness, you can find peace with yourself and maybe even discover a deeper joy than the noise of the season. Besides, it’s Jesus’ birthday! How about wishing him a happy birthday by spending quality time with him in prayer, study, or meditation? ???? Wherever you are, and however you’re spending this season, remember: Christmas doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.

It’s not just about the celebrations, the gifts, or the crowds. Rather, it’s also about finding the magic in the moment, however small, and being contented with what you have.

So, if you’re alone this Christmas, or if it feels quieter than usual, I hope you can find peace in knowing that there’s beauty in this moment, too.

I’m sending you all the love and warmth and hoping you find your own kind of joy this season.

How are you celebrating this season? I’d love to read from you in the comments.