From Nigeria to Texas: How Moji Charles Celebrates Food and Family During the Holidays 

Christmas has always held a special place in Moji Charles’s heart. She immigrated to the United States from Nigeria at age nine—just before the holidays—and worried about feeling far from home. “I was pleasantly surprised to see how our culture was preserved here,” she recalls. “That year, I unlocked a new core memory as I met new family members and celebrated with new people, yet still felt at home.”

Since welcoming twins Elianna and Josiah with her husband, Isiah, in 2024, the season has become even more meaningful. Now based in Richmond, Texas, Charles channels her love for celebration into her thriving party décor business and her growing online community, where she shares insights on family, fashion, and motherhood. 

Below, Moji shares her most cherished Christmas memories and how she celebrates her Nigerian culture throughout the season.

Core Childhood Memories & Traditions

Moji fondly remembers cooking with her mother for the holidays. “That was a special thing for us,” she says. “My mom is a hilarious woman. She’s so funny and lively, especially when we’re cooking together—it’s just a fun time. She gives a lot of orders, like ‘do this, do this, do this.’ But, it gets done, and I always learn new tips and tricks from her.”

The Comfort of Jollof Rice

“Cooking and baking authentic African dishes is a way of connecting to our roots despite not living in Nigeria anymore,” she explains. For Moji, a celebration wouldn’t be complete without jollof rice, the world-renowned African dish beloved in Nigeria and beyond. “Jollof rice is such a beautiful dish in the African community—not just Nigerian, but also in other African communities. It’s a blend of tomatoes, peppers, and many different spices. It’s served at every celebratory event, whether it’s a christening, baby shower, birthday, or any holiday you can think of—jollof rice is going to be there.” And of course, the meal isn’t complete without a “cold Coca-Cola, which always goes great with the spiciness and all the flavors of the food.”

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Shared Meals With Family

Moji loves gathering with her extended family at the holidays and connecting over beloved foods: “We’re all so busy throughout the year, so it means a lot for us to be gathered together. Some of the dishes we include are a bit too complicated for everyday cooking and are reserved for holidays. It’s great to enjoy some of our favorite foods with our favorite people.”

Decking the Halls 

Her family also has a unique way of trimming the tree: “Throughout the year, everyone finds something special to them that could be used as an ornament. When we gather together, everyone explains why they chose their item, and it’s a beautiful thing. One of my special ornaments was a toy dog, a border collie. I ended up getting that very dog when I got older.”

Celebrating Good Times

Moji is often at the heart of every holiday gathering, filling her home with laughter, warmth, and delicious food. She loves nothing more than having her family all together, sharing stories, playing games, and reminiscing about old times. No celebration is complete without a round of clinking glasses filled with ice-cold Coca-Cola as they toast to love, togetherness, and another joyful year of memories made.