Saturated with colour and zest, Christmas is the most celebrated holiday for many Nigerians, who look forward to not only escaping the drudgery of work but also reuniting with friends and family, especially after a long spell of absence.
The festive period is usually associated with the slaughtering of fowl, frying of the traditional chin-chin, cooking of rice and sharing food with neighbours, regardless of religious differences. Christmas is a time when Nigeria’s unity is often emphasised.
Another hallmark of Christmastime in Nigeria is the mass migration back to hometowns or states of origin. For many Christian Nigerians living in the North, Christmas is an opportunity to visit and reconnect with relatives and family in the East and South.
However, with the current economic challenges Nigeria faces, many citizens may struggle to participate in the traditional activities that make Christmastime a truly festive period.
With inflation soaring to levels not seen in 25 years, Nigerians are questioning whether they can afford to continue the activities synonymous with the season. “Another Christmas will still come,” Janet rationalized. “Do I really have to spend so much now? Things are not easy oh.”
Others hold a different view. “It’s just once a year,” Sandra said. “It’s not like it’s every month.”
One of the most affected traditions is traveling. Returning to one’s hometown during Christmas has become significantly more challenging due to the rise in fuel prices and the resulting increase in transport costs. “Travelling from the North to the East costs double what it used to,” Sandra lamented.
Despite the increased costs, Sandra is among many who will still travel across the country for Christmas. For her, connecting with family is as important as managing expenses.
For others like Mercy, Christmas this year will be a pared-down version of previous celebrations. “I won’t be able to share as much food as I want with my neighbours,” she said. “Christmas this year is going to be just basic.”
While the current economic situation has made festive activities less accessible, Nigerians like Mercy believe they are essential. “This annual coming together is what keeps families together,” she argued. “After all the hustling all year, we get to come home. Family—that’s what matters.”
Despite the subdued celebrations, Christmas in Nigeria remains on course. For many, the holiday’s essence lies beyond the lights, food, and festivities. As Janet aptly put it, “The main point of Christmas is not just about the eating and drinking or the Christmas lights; it’s that we’re together, celebrating together.”
Christmas in Nigeria is a highly anticipated holiday marked by vibrant celebrations that foster unity across the country. Traditional activities include the preparation and sharing of food such as fowl, rice, and chin-chin among neighbors, irrespective of religious differences. It is also a time for Nigerians, especially those living in different regions, to return to their hometowns and reconnect with family. However, economic challenges, particularly unprecedented inflation levels and the rising cost of fuel, have made traditional festivities harder to afford. Many people are reconsidering their usual spending, with some opting for simpler celebrations.
Traveling home for the holidays, a cherished tradition, has become more expensive, yet many still prioritize family connections despite the costs. For those who cannot afford extensive celebrations, like Mercy, Christmas will be more subdued. Despite financial struggles, the communal aspect of Christmas is viewed as crucial for maintaining family bonds. The essence of Christmas in Nigeria extends beyond material festivities; it emphasizes togetherness and the joy of celebrating with loved ones, embodying the spirit of the holiday even in challenging times.
