The Diary Game [31/12/2025] // New Year's Eve Fever in My Neighbourhood.

Hi guys, accept my special compliments of the season from my motherland, Cameroon, and welcome to my blog, where I share my daily lifestyle with you all.

December 31st was one of those days that carried both excitement and calm, the kind that reminds me why New Year’s Eve in Cameroon always feels special. I woke up early to the sound of roosters crowing and distant voices already active in the neighbourhood. The air felt fresh, as if the year itself was holding its breath, waiting to turn a new page.

I began the day by walking to the local market to buy food items for the day’s cooking. The road to the market was lively and familiar, filled with people moving in the same direction, baskets in hand and smiles on their faces.

^{Walking to the Market.}

The market itself was full of colour and sound. Women called out prices of fresh vegetables, fish sellers displayed their catch, and the smell of spices filled the air. I bought corn flour for fufu, fresh huckleberry leaves, onions, palm oil, and other ingredients needed for a proper meal. Even though the market was crowded, there was a sense of joy everywhere, as if everyone was united by the same excitement for the coming year.

^{Our Local Market though prices are not yet favourable.}

After returning home from the market, I took a short rest before starting the cooking. Preparing fufu corn with huckleberry is not just about food, it is about tradition and patience. I washed and chopped the huckleberry leaves carefully, then put them on the fire to cook. While they simmered, I stirred the corn flour steadily until it formed smooth, soft fufu. The heat from the fire and the effort of stirring reminded me how food brings people together, especially on important days like this. When the meal was finally ready, the smell alone made the hard work worth it.

Later in the afternoon, I went to the farm to harvest some coconuts. Cutting them down and breaking them open felt refreshing and rewarding.

^{Harvested coconut from the farm.}

I drank the coconut water slowly, enjoying how cool and natural it tasted. It was one of those simple pleasures that made me feel connected to the land and grateful for what we have. Sitting there for a moment, I reflected on the year that was ending, the challenges, the lessons, and the small victories that shaped it.

^{Drinking coconut water.}

As evening approached, the atmosphere began to change. People bathed, dressed up, and prepared their hearts for the cross-over church service. I also got ready, choosing clean clothes and taking time to reflect quietly. The cross-over service is always meaningful, a time to pray, sing, and give thanks while waiting to step into the new year. Walking to church, I could hear music and voices from different directions, all moving toward the same purpose.

At church, the night was filled with praise and hope. As the clock moved closer to midnight, prayers became deeper and songs louder. When the new year finally arrived, there was joy, clapping, and thanksgiving. I felt hopeful and peaceful, ready to embrace whatever the new year would bring.

^{Cross-Over Night in Church.}

Looking back on the day, New Year’s Eve was simple but full. From the market to the kitchen, from the farm to the church, every moment felt meaningful. It was a beautiful way to end the year and begin another, grounded in tradition, gratitude, and faith. Until my next diary session, happy new year to all true steemians.