It is a quiet community in the outskirts of Oke Aro Ogun State, where the spirit of Christmas was always in the air once it's December. The people were warm hearted and every corner was decorated with various twinkling lights, beautiful ribbons and hand painted ornaments.

The anticipation of the most exciting time of the year was here, until this fateful year when the rainstorm threatened to dampen the joyous Christmas celebration. December is not a month when rain falls, so everybody was surprised at how it rained on this day.

The community's cherished Christmas tree which is a symbol of their togetherness and unity had fallen a victim to the unexpected rainfall. Now left with the remnants of the Christmas lights and decorations all over the street, the community members began to pick them up.

The whole community were all sad and disappointed at the wrecked Christmas tree that stood lifeless at one side of the street. However, a group of determined community members came together to proffer solution to the issue. Led by Papa John Oyegbami ( who's populary called Grandpa), the community members embarked on a mission to restore the iconic tree and to make sure the community's cherished holiday tradition would not be dimmed.

Every artisan, local carpenters and volunteers in the community all came together bringing in their talents and resources to create a brand new tree. Each branch of the tree was carefully crafted with dedication and love which symbolized the resilience the community members had even in the face of adversity.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of pine and loud music to keep everybody energized as they all worked tirelessly, turning the task in a festive celebration of unity.

Meanwhile, Mrs Davids who is popular for her delicious and lip smacking confectioneries decided to organize a fund raising event, where she baked cookies and cup cakes to raise the necessary funds for the Christmas tree. Every member of the community both the old and young eagerly participated in this fund raising which showcased the true meaning of Christmas ( giving from the heart).

The blasting of the music drew the attention of neighboring community, and they all came to support the fund raising. While the making of the tree was in progress, a truck which beared the Christmas lights and decorations arrived and everyone was so excited that it came right on time.

The generosity of strangers, friends and community members transformed the rebuilding process to a communal effort that really touched the hearts of everyone involved.

At last, the new tree had been completed. It stood tall and proud in the midst of the people who with their combined efforts brought back to life the tree.

This rebuilding made the community members realize that Christmas is not just about decorations or gifts, but about the bonds formed in times of needs, enduring spirit of togetherness and kindness of others.

On Christmas Eve, we all gathered around the beautiful and well litted tree, hand in hand singing carol songs and dancing. The youths specially made the carol more interesting with their special Christmas carol songs and the surprise Santa Claus they brought.

Saving Christmas in Oke Aro became a cherished memory. The story was passed down from generation to generation, reminding all those who heard it that the true meaning of the season does not lie in presents we give each other but in love and compassion found within the hearts of those who come together to make a difference.

It is a season of love. Even Jesus whom we are celebrating his birth showed us love by coming to earth in form of a human being. Show love to everyone around you not just with gifts alone but also through your kind words and acts of service.

This is me wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE.