A Christmas Story with an African Twist

Yinka Olatunbosun

As the festive season slowly comes to a close, with Christmas Day now a wonderful memory, families around the world are still basking in the joy and spirit of the holiday. Ugo and Ify at Christmas by Foluke Sijuwola Falayi is a book that perfectly captures the essence of the season, even as we look back on the celebrations of the past few days.

According to the author, “Before publishing it, I saw children reading foreign books about snow during the Christmas season, which many African children have never experienced. So, I was inspired to write Ugo and Ify at Christmas, a Christmas story where there’s harmattan, visiting Santa Claus, or ‘Father Christmas,’ acting out The Birth of Jesus, where love and joy fill the air.”

This inspiration has resulted in a beautifully crafted story that follows the adventures of Ugo and his sister Ify as they celebrate Christmas in a uniquely African way.

Through their experiences, Falayi explores themes of obedience, restoration, love, and sharing, making it a must-read for children and adults alike, even as the holiday season winds down. The story is a quick two-hour read that can be finished during a relaxation period, making it an ideal choice for families looking to unwind together during the holiday season.

What sets Ugo and Ify at Christmas apart is its ability to convey the true spirit of Christmas in a way that is relatable to African children. The author’s use of vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling makes it easy to visualise the scenes and become immersed in the story.

As Falayi noted, “Parents are guardian angels to their kids; their roles can never be overemphasised. Without good parenting, children can go astray.”

This book is a valuable resource for parents and carers looking to teach children valuable lessons about obedience, love, and sharing, and it’s a great way to keep the Christmas spirit alive, even after the holiday has passed.

The main character, Ugo, loses something important to him due to disobedience but finds it before the end of the book through the theme of quest. The readers get the message of restoration.

Ugo, like any other child protagonist, is brave and smart. And, like we see in reality, children sometimes disobey, and disobedience comes with consequences. Ugo learns never to disobey his parents. Children must always listen to their parents. Love and sharing are essential. Christmas is a time to give to others, a time to love. God gave His only begotten son to redeem mankind. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The season is not the time to quarrel or fight. These themes and more are explored in the book.

Falayi’s passion for writing and her commitment to creating stories that inspire and educate African children are evident throughout the book. As she says, “I write more children’s books than adult books, and I write to celebrate and impact the African child. Most times, the themes can be interrelated. The greatest thing is to inspire the little ones to fulfil their purpose.” With Ugo and Ify at Christmas, Falayi has certainly achieved this goal.

The author’s journey to becoming a renowned children’s book writer is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. As she shares, “My loss of job inspired me to start writing. As at the time I started, I would have waited more years before I launched into writing; however, when I lost my job, I had to explore the gift that I recognised I had as a little girl in primary school.” Today, Falayi is a professional writer with a background in English and literary studies and a wealth of experience in writing for children.

In conclusion, Ugo and Ify at Christmas is a delightful and inspiring Christmas story that is sure to become a classic. With its universal themes and relatable characters, it is a must-read for families around the world and a great way to extend the joy of the holiday season.

As Falayi said, “My dream is to see my books in every African home and, by extension, the world at large.” With Ugo and Ify at Christmas, she is one step closer to achieving that dream.