My end-of-year festive holiday plans.

Having a holiday is strange to some people. Here in Nigeria, we are so accustomed to working around the clock that we forget to take breaks, and even when we do have those holidays, we really do not get to enjoy them. The human mind is always calculative, running several errands at the same time. I have seen some colleagues who had their holidays but remained hyperactive during periods when they were expected to rest.

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But who says holidays should be for resting? Well, I am of the opinion that holidays, especially those around the year-end, should be both for resting and, more importantly, for enjoyment. The federal government approved leave for civil servants to be increased to six weeks from the initial four weeks and equally granted two weeks of leave for men whose wives have just delivered. The maternity leave was equally increased to six months. These leave periods are a form of holiday, an off-duty period for the recipients.

Rest is the first treatment in medicine, and when the body does not get enough of it, it demands it by possibly breaking down as a poor coping strategy. My leave has been approved for the middle of November, which would stretch into the festive period of Christmas, and I have made a few resolutions in anticipation.

OFF RADAR MODE
We are most often concerned with getting updated about happenings around and within our workplaces when we are on holiday or, maybe, on leave. I have tried my best to pay my dues as they relate to my work, and my resolution is to go off the radar of my colleagues and work. Unfortunately, I am the type that receives numerous calls, even from unknown people, whether they relate to my work or profession. I have my phone line on a different phone from where my WhatsApp is, and my decision is to switch off my line as often as possible. Even with that, if I feel my presence on social media is disturbed, I will go further off the radar.

TRAVELS
I remember traveling to Warri town in Delta State for the first time last year during my end-of-year leave. Unfortunately, I could not stay long there as I had some family engagements. I traveled to Minna, Abuja, and Jos as part of my travels. Unfortunately, this year, it seems my travels will be on similar routes, even though I would love to explore new places. Gladly, my brother in Warri has given me express permission to come visit, and you know what kind of treats your elder brother would give? His refrigerator was always stocked, and he asked me if he should stock more. He made sure I had near-24 hours of power supply and subscription. Though my brother is the busy type, he took me around a few places, like ShopRite, and yes, I ordered what I wished. Definitely, you should know I would visit Warri again and spend more time this time around with little or no distractions.

MOVIES, SLEEP, and FOOD
The trio of sleep, food, and movies are essentials for me during this festive holiday season. I do not want much except to have little or no worries about the stress of life. I just want to have an abundance of sleep, good food, and watch movies. Movies help me to relax my brain, laugh off my worries, and open my mind to an array of opportunities and cultures. I do not eat much, but I love quality, home-made food.

HIVE
Hive has made me a photographer, and everywhere I go, I get conscious of taking pictures. I have missed engaging much with my friends on Hive, and I look forward to ample time for that. Rather than excitedly share the moment I look forward to for Hive during the festive holidays, I would preferably keep the surprises to sharing with you in words and pictures.

TREATS
I pray I have enough funds, and even with the little I have, I would love to enjoy some off-the-radar treats such as a visit to a beach (I long for the scent of the sea), a fountain, or interesting views. Life is short, and the mind should be soothed with restful sights. I do not mind engaging in activities such as horseback riding, games, etc.

CHRISTMAS CHICKEN
I have not concluded where I will be spending Christmas, and even if it's in my place of residence, I will make sure I have plenty of fried chicken available to consume. I have discovered my insatiable love for fried chicken and would love to have a chilled Hollandia right beside it (the blue flavor, please). I can avail myself of over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication to counter possible complications.

In all of these, I pray for good health and an abundance of resources to enjoy the forthcoming festive holiday season.

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.