Itunu mi,

It’s been a minute a long one and I must confess, I really miss seeing your beautiful face, me getting on your nerves, and you nagging.

The last time we spoke, really spoke, you mentioned that you wished Santa would bring my Prince Charming my way before the end of this year, and I just chuckled. Has Santa granted your wish? Well... you’ll find out at the end of this letter.

I was driving home this evening, the classical piece “Noel” gently playing in the background, and the whole street was painted red and green. Lights twinkling on every house and shop, the streets looking so colourful I must say, it’s really beginning to look a lot like Christmas. (Though you know me; don’t get me started on the heavy traffic—it seemed like everyone decided to travel down to Lagos today!)

And just like that, I was pulled straight back into our childhood.

Do you remember? How we used to count down the days to Christmas like it was the only thing that mattered? The excitement that came with Mummy getting us new shoes and clothes, the funny, pretty, colourful glasses, the beautiful toys that sang Christmas songs... I also remember that wristwatch Mum got for us one time, the one with Father Christmas on it. Us running errands like grinding pepper in preparation for the Christmas feast, attending carols, singing Christmas songs with the wrong lyrics in our beautiful off-key voices, the heavenly aroma of smoky jollof rice and juicy turkey that made the whole house smell like heaven. Dancing in the living room until our legs gave out, laughing until our stomachs hurt, playing games, and listening to Grandma’s moonlight stories. All of us together—you, me, our cousins, the noise, the joy.

Those were the days when Christmas felt endless. When nothing could touch us.

But life has a way of scattering people, doesn’t it? We’re grown now, pulled in different directions. I can’t even remember the last time I saw your face in person. Adult life here is really “lifeing” (if there’s any such word!). Christmas doesn’t even feel like it anymore—the excitement isn’t there. No family house to go to, no cousins to greet; everyone is now on their own. I really miss those days and wish I could be forever young.

Either way, I think Santa granted your wish even before you asked. You remember Davis—yes, that cute senior I had a thing for in high school? I bumped into him at the supermarket few months ago I would have given you this gist earlier but then I wanted to be sure. We’ve been talking, and the feeling is mutual. He’s made his intentions clear, so sis, we might actually have a wedding to plan soon!

However, tomorrow is Christmas. He’s travelled out of town to be with his parents, siblings, and cousins in the village for the festive season. As for me, I guess I’ll just spend Christmas in this little apartment of mine, with gratitude in my heart to God for the most beautiful gift of Christmas—Jesus Christ—and just reminisce on our good childhood Christmas memories.

But if you ask me on a deeper level, Itunu mi, tomorrow is Christmas, and I wish you were here so we could probably go visit Mum and Dad’s gravesite and recreate some of our childhood memories. But the whole immigration policy is doing a lot, which is really understandable.

Till I’m chanced to write to you again, sis, my warmest regards to my handsome brother in-law. Know that I’m still your little sister—still the girl who used to steal your earrings and blame my hands. I love you always, Itunumi ( My comfort ❤️)

Merry Christmas.

With Love, 

Oluwakorede