5 things certain to happen on Christmas day
Christmas Day is here! It’s that time of the year when people all over the globe come together to celebrate love, joy, and family.
While each family may celebrate differently, there are some things you can expect to happen almost everywhere.
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Let’s dive into five exciting traditions that make a Nigerian Christmas special.
Traffic Jams
Stepping out on Christmas Day? Get ready for traffic. Big cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are known for their hectic roads during the holidays. Whether people are rushing to church, family gatherings, or fun hangout spots, the streets are always packed. Everyone is in a festive mood, and the roads are busy with shoppers, travellers, and partygoers. Even smaller towns have their fair share of Christmas traffic. If you’re going out, leave early or plan to stay home and relax with your loved ones.
Amazing Food and Lively Parties
One thing Nigerians don’t joke about on Christmas Day is food. The air is filled with the aroma of jollof rice, fried chicken, goat meat, and other mouthwatering dishes. Music blasts from speakers, and neighbourhoods turn into mini party zones.
Food and music are at the heart of Nigerian celebrations. Families cook large meals to share with friends and neighbours, and street parties bring everyone together for some dancing and fun.
Giant pots of delicious food, kids munching on snacks, and adults enjoying music, drinks, and lively conversations.
Church Services and Beautiful Carols
For most Nigerians, Christmas Day starts with a church service. Families wear their best outfits and gather to pray, sing carols, and listen to sermons about the birth of Jesus Christ. Some churches also host colourful nativity plays or organise charity events.
Christmas is a religious holiday, and for many Nigerians, going to church is a way to reflect on its true meaning. It’s a moment of gratitude and celebration. The carol singing in Nigerian churches is unforgettable. Whether it’s traditional hymns or gospel tunes, the atmosphere is filled with joy and love.
Kids Showing Off Their New Clothes
For Nigerian kids, Christmas isn’t complete without “Christmas clothes.” Parents go all out to buy new outfits for their children, and the little ones proudly show them off at church, family visits, and parties.
New clothes symbolise happiness and a fresh start. For kids, wearing their new outfits is one of the most exciting parts of Christmas. You’ll see children grinning from ear to ear, striking poses, and sometimes matching outfits with their siblings or parents. They love the attention and compliments.
Sharing Gifts and Visiting Loved Ones
Gift-giving is an important part of Christmas. Families exchange hampers, money, or presents, and there’s a lot of visiting between relatives and neighbours. It’s a day of sharing and reconnecting with loved ones.Christmas is about love and togetherness. People show appreciation by giving gifts and spending time with those they care about. Even those with little find ways to share and spread joy.
You’ll notice families moving from house to house, food ready for guests, and kids receiving small cash gifts as “Christmas money.” It’s all about spreading happiness and gratitude.
Vanguard News
