Ghanaians look back on Christmas memories that have stayed with them

From childhood surprises and a first trip abroad to simple family gatherings, some Ghanaians have Christmas memories that have remained special to them over the years.

As part of our Christmas series, we spoke to people about the celebrations and experiences from their past that they still remember fondly.

For Kate Quayeson, Christmas as a child was a time to look forward to new shoes, dresses and other treats from her mother.

She recalled how her mother would use a broom to measure her legs before buying her Christmas shoes, often choosing a bigger size so she could wear them the following year.

“My mother will use broom to measure my leg. Then she'll go and buy a shoe that is bigger than my size, maybe like for the next year or something,” she said.

Her dresses were also usually bigger than her actual size, with her mother confident that she would eventually grow into them.

“She will buy a dress that is bigger and the longer that will be bigger than me, all in the name of ‘wobɛnyini abɛto’,” she recalled.

The excitement extended beyond clothes. Kate also looked forward to floral socks, hair products, cream and colourful clips for her hair.

“It was a very nice experience,” she said.

For Kwame Otchere, one Christmas stands out for a different reason.

Two years ago, he travelled to the United States to spend the festive season. It was his first trip outside Ghana and his first experience of flying.

“It was very, very, very enjoyable because it was my first time travelling and my first time being in the plane. So the fun was extra,” he said.

Christopher Richardson, meanwhile, remembers a Christmas when his parents and siblings came together to organise a celebration at home.

The family cooked, listened to music and played games, creating an atmosphere he still looks back on fondly.

“We cooked, we listened to music, played some games and we're just having fun,” he recalled.

It was not an elaborate celebration, but for Christopher, the presence of his family made it special.

“It wasn't a big celebration, but it means a lot to me because everyone was happy and together.”