There was a time when family gatherings were the highlight of every season. They brought together cousins we hadn’t seen in years, aunties with stories to tell, and uncles who always managed to bring laughter with their antics. With changing times and busier schedules, those once-cherished meetups are becoming fewer and farther between. And with them, so many delightful traditions are slipping into memory. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the family gathering activities we truly miss.
- Cooking together in the kitchen
The kitchen was always the heart of the home during a family gathering. Elders would take charge of the jollof rice, egusi soup, or Sunday roast, while the younger ones peeled vegetables or snuck tastes of the stew. Recipes were rarely written down but passed along by watching, helping, and learning. The laughter, aroma, and little disagreements over salt made cooking a full-blown event.
- Group games and indoor fun
Before smartphones took over, we had games. Charades, Scrabble, Ludo, Whot etc filled our afternoons. Children would create their own rules, and grown-ups sometimes joined in with surprising competitiveness. These games didn’t just pass the time; they created memories.
- Storytelling under the stars
After dinner, many families would gather outside, especially in rural or suburban homes. Sitting in a circle, everyone listened as grandparents or the oldest aunt told stories, folktales, real-life adventures, and family history. Those stories, often repeated, never lost their magic. They were a gentle way of keeping our roots alive.
- Impromptu dance sessions
Once someone brought out a drum or played a song on the radio, you could bet a dance session was coming. Aunties would show off old-school moves. Teenagers tried to outdo each other with the latest dance steps. The youngest would just bounce along. It didn’t matter who could dance best; the joy was in the dancing.
- Group photos and photo album sessions
There was always that one person in the family with the big camera. Everyone would line up with the tallest at the back, children in front and smile for a family portrait. Later, photo albums were pulled out. Each photo sparked stories, debates about dates, and reminders of how much people had changed.
- Prayers and Reflections
Whether it was a Christian prayer, a Muslim dua, or a moment of silence and gratitude, families often took time to reflect together. These spiritual moments reminded everyone of the power of unity, love, and shared values.
- Sleeping over and late-night gists
After the feast, no one wanted to go home. Children formed sleepover camps on the floor. Adults stayed up late, sipping tea or drinks, laughing about childhood mischief, and catching up on life. These unfiltered conversations were golden.
Today, many of us long for those moments. Life moves fast, and technology has changed how we connect. But maybe it’s time to bring back the old ways, even if just once a year.