Handling the anxiety of being away from family and friends during the holidays

Easter celebrations in Africa are often infused with traditional cultural practices and religious ceremonies that differ from North America. In some parts of Africa, people dress up for Easter Sunday services, some may participate in processions and dances. Some African countries also have unique Easter dishes and feasts. However, specific traditions and customs vary across the continent.

The celebration of Easter Bunny Hunt is not a widely practiced tradition in Africa during the Easter holidays. However, there may be some communities or families who choose to incorporate this activity into their celebrations. As an African in the diaspora, missing home can be a common feeling, especially during holidays like Easter. Coping with this feeling can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it.

One way to cope is by connecting with other Africans in your community. There are often African cultural organizations or clubs that hold events and gatherings. Attending these events can help you feel a sense of belonging and connection to other Africans who may be experiencing similar feelings.

Another helpful coping mechanism is to bring a piece of Africa into your North American home. This can be done through cooking traditional African dishes, listening to African music, and decorating your home with African art and textiles. Surrounding yourself with familiar things can ease the feeling of homesickness.

During the Easter season from Lent through Good Friday, many African countries have traditional dishes that are typically consumed during this time. On Easter Sunday, in Nigeria, for example, fried fish, jollof rice, and efo riro are popular dishes for lunch following church service. In Ghana, Kenkey and fish stew, as well as fried rice and chicken are common. In Ethiopia, it is common to eat injera with a variety of stews and sauces.
Frejon is a popular dish found mainly in some parts of West Africa that can be easily prepared in the diaspora. It is a delicious coconut bean pudding that is perfect for the season's celebrations. To make it, you will need black-eyed beans, coconut milk, sugar, salt, spices and water.

First, soak the black-eyed beans overnight and then cook until soft. Blend the beans with coconut milk to form a smooth paste. Add sugar and salt to taste and continue to blend until well combined.

Next, transfer the mixture into a pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Be careful not to let it stick to the bottom of the pot. Once it thickens to your desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool.
Serve chilled with fish, chicken, or any other protein of your choice. You can also garnish with grated coconut or chopped nuts.

All the ingredients needed to make frejon can be easily found in North America or Europe in local grocery stores or specialty food markets. Give this unique Easter dish a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

If you miss the sense of community and belonging that comes with attending church bazaars and festivals, consider finding a church or religious community that shares your cultural background. Many churches hold cultural events and celebrations that can help you feel more connected to your roots. .

Some other tips include:

Connect with loved ones in person: If travelling home is not a viable option, travelling to meet up with family and friends within your new country of residence may be the next best option and a sort of mini "family reunion" of sorts to look forward to.
Embrace local traditions: If you've moved to a new country or city, take the opportunity to learn about and embrace the local Easter traditions. This can help you feel more connected to your new surroundings.
Create your own traditions: Celebrate Easter in your own unique way. Cook your favorite meal, decorate your home, or attend a local church service.
Volunteer: Giving back to the community is a great way to connect with others and feel a sense of purpose. Look for volunteer opportunities at local churches or community centers.
Practice self-care: Take care of yourself during the holiday season. Get enough rest, exercise, and eat healthily. Practice mindfulness and meditation to help alleviate feelings of loneliness and homesickness.
Use Technology to Connect: Reach out to friends and family back at home through video calls or messaging. You can also use social media to connect with other Africans or participate in virtual events or worship services with family and friends back home

Remember that it's okay to feel homesick and lonely during the Easter holidays. Be gentle with yourself. Feeling homesick is a natural part of moving away from home. Coping with these emotions takes time and patience, but with the right support and coping mechanisms, it is possible to feel more at home in your new surroundings.