It's Christmas. I am not as old as Cardinal Turkson or the Pope but sure, I have spent a good number of Christmas moments. 

 But like many Ghanaians who are of the working class, Christmas was a whole lot different and arguably better experienced back in the day than what we see today. 

But Three sticking memories are engraved in my brain. 

 In Kumasi some 16 years ago, I lived in a bungalow at Buokrom Estates, E Line with mother and my late sister. Back then, mother builds up the Christmas fever from June when she starts the DO IT RIGHT campaign.

 It's simple. If you behave yourself and not court trouble, you will have a brand new set of clothing, a good bowl of the absolutely delectable Jollof with cole slaw and two pieces of well grilled chicken. If you do misbehave during that period, you had three chances to redeem your image of qualifying for the grand prize. But if you make it to the third default, your prize would have reduced to squash and one toffee. 

 One particular year I squandered all chances, threw caution to the wind and misbehaved beyond measure. Strangely, my mother never lifted a finger nor voice. I thought YEAH NOW SHE CANT CONTROL ME NO MORE. But on Christmas Eve that year, mother lighted the tree, I gazed in awe. Just before I could tell her how beautiful it looked, she grabbed me by the ear and slowly led me to HELL. I was heavily spanked. And....yes you guessed right, she did give me a chase during that session in the room. From under the bed to the wardrobe. After wailing and wiping the tears from my eyes and nose, her warm hands held me. I shook and sat there confused. She handed me my package. It was the full package. But she told me THIS IS YOURS AND THE BEATING WAS AN ADDED BONUS. I told myself NO MORE BONUSES. 

 The second memory was in Takoradi. I lived with my aunt for five years. She held an interesting view of Christmas. One must share love and not go asking for gifts. We were a family of ten. Cleaning starts on the 20th of December in preparation for Blonya. A big party is thrown on the 26th. Extended family comes in and the merry is large. Funny part was that my cousins enjoyed nothing better than gathering the bottom skin of the chickens and fry them special. With drinks they will savour it. I will go cling to one of them and beg for some. If any of us was caught asking anyone for 'Bronya adze,' your head will ache with hard knocks dropping in droves. Best believe that. 

And oh the best and most recent memory. 

 I attended a mid-year wedding of that of my cousin. He was the most elegant guy I have ever known. All of us in the family thought he will be a model but no!!!!!! He ended up becoming a philanthropist. I got a cream suit and I was elated. But after the event and funfair, I got home, took it off and remembered Christmas was beckoning. I remembered Kwame the musician. He was a neighbour who lived in a kiosk with the mother and four siblings. Kwame saved a lot and bought a musical instrument to launch his career. But I realised his looks will also count if he was to get a good gig. So on Christmas Eve, I went up to him with the suit in hand. He looked at me and seemed puzzled. I handed him the suit and said MERRY CHRISTMAS. The next Sunday, he walked up to my gate, demanded my presence and soon I appeared. He was sleekly dressed in the suit I gave him and asked HOW DO I LOOK? I said GOOD. He thanked me and I did say DONT MENTION. In my heart I was glad for two reasons. First he went to church as first option for the new addition to this wardrobe and second? I saw a genuine smile with his teeth brightening more than I had ever seen them. 

 So as we all prepare to make Christmas memorable in 2014, think of something amazing to touch someone in a special way.

 I am sure you will ask WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS YEAR TO HELP SOMEONE? 

If I tell you before I do it, that's bluffing.  Let's go do it and tell the world about it next year to inspire another million people. 

 Afehyia Pa

Afi oooo Afi, Afi aya neba ni nawo

 I wish you well and better things should roll into your life.