All I want for Christmas are my kids

By Vatapuia Maiava 22 December 2016, 12:00AM

It’s Christmas time and for many of our elders in Samoa, neither money nor gifts can give them that same joy they feel when they see their children and grandchildren.

Fa’atuai Fa’amoeolo, from the village of Fagamalo, Savai’i, says there’s nothing more she would want this Christmas than to see her darling children and their children.

She explains how every year, she would look forward to December because her family from near and far come over to visit and there’s not great feeling than that.

“The one thing I want is to be with all my children,” Fa’atuai told the Village Voice.

“With Christmas just around the corner, nothing would give me more joy than to be with my children. I am a grandmother and I miss my children and grandchildren the most when it comes to this time of year.

“I always tell them all that I don’t want any gifts; I just want to be with them. Another gift I ask for is for my children to always take their children to school, church and Sunday school. That’s all I want.”

Fa’atuai explains that she feels nothing but joy as she anticipates the arrival of those who will visit this year.

“For us grandparents, there is no greater gift than for our children to take good care of our grandchildren,” she said.

“Throughout the year, I always look forward to Christmas because I want to see everyone here at home again. That’s the ultimate gift for us older folks.

“As you pulled in, you notice how happy I am cleaning up everything and preparing for our family to visit us from overseas and from here in Samoa.”

Being from Savai’i, Fa’atuai looks forward to returning today so that she can make necessary preparations for her children’s visit.

“I am actually from Savai’i, I came over to Upolu for my child wedding and so I decided to stay a little longer and relax here,” she said.

“I will be going back to Savai’i tomorrow and await the arrival of all my children and some other family members. I am always very thankful for this season because seeing my children is all I ever want.

“There is no mother or grandmother alive who doesn’t wish for the same thing this Christmas. It is always a good Christmas when spent with those I love.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 22 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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