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Introduction

It's good to have you here once again, dear fellow Steemians. Here comes another intriguing challenge, this time titled "My Favorite Celebration of the Year," which promises to be a lot of fun. This has to be an opportunity for many of us to recall that special celebration among many that we love most and at the same time share the memorable event with fellow Steemians. Let's dive in.

My favourite celebration of the year- Christmas

^{Christmas pics. Source: Pixabay}

My favorite celebration of the year is Christmas. This is the first on my list of celebrations I always look forward to. As proof that Christmas is my most looked forward event of the year, I do start preparing for the next one immediately after the current one is over, even though it's been celebrated just once in a while.

Christmas, what it consists of

There wouldn't be a better, simplest, definition and explanation of Christmas as Jesus Christ's birth day.
The word "Christmas" originated from "mass of Christ". Mass or rather referred to as communion or eucharist is a service celebrated by Christians always to remember that Jesus came and died for us and resurrected back to life on the third day.

It's a very significant day of celebration for many Christians in different parts of the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom they believe is the only begotten son of God who was sent by God down to the earth for man's redemption.

The Christmas celebration happens towards the end of every year, precisely on the 25th day of December, the day the Savior was born . Many countries which celebrate Christmas set aside this day as an off day. Some even announce a whole week off work or more to commemorate the day. This is the height at which the Christmas celebration is uniquely commemorated among Christians.

What it consists of

Christmas is all about enjoyment and entertainment . It consists mainly of "The Nativity" ( Jesus's birthday, the place, time and circumstance). It also involves the sharing of gifts and meals among families and friends, going to church, decorating a Christmas tree and other structures, and, of course, welcoming "Santa Claus".

The meaning of Christmas for me

Just like every other Christian out there, what Christmas mainly means to me is celebrating the day the Savior of the World was born.
Christians celebrate this special day around the world according to their traditions and beliefs. For me, it's a perfect time for reunions, a time for renewing relationships as well as family bonding, vacationing for holidays and exchanging gifts.

How long have I been celebrating Christmas?

I believe I won't be off balance if I say it's been as far back as since I was born, about 20 years ago. The celebration here has to be in two forms; an unfamiliar celebration and a familiar celebration.

• The unfamiliar celebration in question here is the Christmas Day celebrations that happened while I was a toddler, or rather a baby, that's from 0–5 years old. During this period, I was, even though I was part of the celebration, unfamiliar with the type of celebration. Mine, I guess, was just to merriment along with people.

• While the familiar celebration here is the Christmas celebrations that are being celebrated now at my youthful age. At this point, I know what the celebration is all about, when it's celebrated, and how to celebrate it.

How do I celebrate Christmas?

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^{Pics taken from last year's Christmas celebration}

As earlier stated, what it means to me, I do act accordingly. I do celebrate Christmas in the following periods of the day:

On Christmas Eve:

• On the day before Christmas, that's December 24th, I do go to church in the evening along with many other Christian worshipers. The purpose is to stay awake till 00:00, which is the 25th, to welcome the Saviour.

On Christmas Day:

• The early morning of Christmas Day got me in the church again, to receive blessings from the newborn before heading home for other celebrations.

• From around 6–9 o'clock is always freshening up hours for me. Food is being prepared around this time too while outings are done later in the day.

• Though masquerade displays are a traditional practice in my area, they are also performed on Christmas Day. Masquerade has been a major means of celebration here, and it doesn't despise Christmas either. It's always fun watching it.

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^{During masquerade display last year}

With whom do I share the joy of Christmas celebration with?

Regardless of where I'm celebrating Christmas, I love sharing my joyful moments with friends and relatives, but it makes much sense to me to share the joy with my parents and siblings, that's when I'm at home, which is not always.

Here, in a different place where I'm currently residing, far apart from my parents and siblings, celebrating with neighbors around me has been an option.

Conclusion

That special time of the year for my favorite celebration is fast approaching again. Today being the 25th of October, makes it just 2 exactly months away from this year's Christmas celebration.
I'm hoping to see y'all at my place for this year's celebration.

I'll like to invite @beautiful12, @nishadi89 and @nora23 to participate