CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IN NIGERIA_A Diaspora Perspective from Abroad

Christmas, with roots in Christian traditions dating back to the 4th century, has evolved over centuries. Originally tied to the birth of Jesus Christ, it later incorporated customs from various regions during the Middle Ages. The choice of December 25 aligned with existing pagan festivals. In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, feasting characterizes the season, while gift-giving and carol-singing became popular. Today, Christmas is a global celebration, merging religious and secular elements. It unites people worldwide in festivities, emphasizing family, gift exchanges, decorations, and the spirit of goodwill.

This is how Christmas is uniquely celebrated in Nigeria:

1. Religious Significance:
   • Nigeria has a diverse religious landscape, with a significant Christian population celebrating Christmas.
   • In predominantly Christian regions, churches hold special services and events to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
2. Cultural Diversity:
   • Nigeria is a culturally diverse country with various ethnic groups, each having its own unique Christmas traditions.
   • Traditional music, dance, and cultural performances are often part of the celebrations.
   •  Nigerian families emphasize the importance of spending time with family and loved ones during the Christmas season.
   • Many Nigerian families living abroad often make it a tradition to travel back to Nigeria to celebrate important occasions, especially during festive seasons like Christmas. This practice is driven by a strong sense of family and cultural ties.
   • For Nigerians living abroad, it’s an opportunity to reunite with extended family members whom they might not see regularly.
   • For families with children born or raised abroad, a visit to Nigeria provides a chance to acquaint the younger generation with their Nigerian heritage, family customs, and cultural practices. These include engaging in activities like masquerade events, football competitions, age-grade meetings, youth gatherings, community development initiatives, and traditional marriage ceremonies, as well as participating in enchanting moonlight dances and storytelling sessions.
3. Food and Festivities:
   • Christmas meals in Nigeria exhibit regional diversity, featuring a range of special dishes like jollof rice, fried rice, pepper soup, salad, white rice with stew, and an assortment of local delicacies including Nkwobi, Ewedu and Amala, Moi Moi, Catfish Pepper Soup (Point and Kill), Isi Ewu, pounded yam, and vegetable salad.
   •  Celebratory drinks during the Christmas season may include Palm Wine, Fanta Chapman, and other festive choices.
   • In Nigeria, the celebration of Christmas extends beyond traditional customs to include vibrant expressions of joy and festivity. One prevalent tradition is the donning of new clothes, symbolizing a fresh start and the significance of the occasion. As families gather for the festive feast, a distinctive aspect of the celebration is the shared delight in indulging in delicious food, particularly the centrepiece—chicken and Turkey.The culinary experience during Nigerian Christmas celebrations is a sensory delight. Mouths adorned with a touch of oil serve as a visible testament to the enjoyment of delectable dishes, particularly those featuring succulent chicken. The aroma of seasoned meats wafts through the air as families partake in the ritual of enjoying sumptuous meals prepared with care and love.The significance of oily mouths reflects not just the richness of the cuisine but also the abundance of blessings and prosperity that the Christmas season represents. It is a tangible expression of gratitude for the shared moments of joy and the blessings of togetherness. This tradition encapsulates the communal spirit of Christmas in Nigeria, where the act of feasting becomes a communal celebration, fostering a sense of unity and shared abundance.

     Beyond the culinary delights, the new clothes worn during the festivities symbolize a sense of renewal and optimism for the coming year. This practice adds a colourful and celebratory dimension to the occasion, as families take pride in presenting themselves in fresh, festive attire.

4. Gifts and Acts of Kindness:
   • Gift-giving is also common, and families exchange presents during the festive season.
   • Acts of kindness and charity are emphasized, with people reaching out to those in need.
   • During the Christmas season in Nigeria, the spirit of giving and generosity is prominently expressed through various charitable initiatives undertaken by families, churches, and community groups. Many choose to extend the joy of the season to the less privileged, including those in motherless baby homes, orphanages, and among the homeless population. Here’s an elaboration on these heartwarming acts of kindness:1. Food Distribution:
     Families, churches, and community groups often organize large-scale food drives and cook hearty meals. These meals are then distributed to the less privileged, including individuals in orphanages, motherless baby homes, and those living on the streets.2. Clothing Donations:
     Another common practice is the collection and distribution of clothing items. Families and organizations gather new or gently used clothes and distribute them to those in need. This helps ensure that individuals who may have limited resources can also experience the joy of wearing new attire during the festive season.

     4. Visits to Orphanages and Motherless Baby Homes:
     – Many families, Churches and groups make it a tradition to visit orphanages and motherless baby homes during the Christmas season. These visits often include not only the distribution of food and clothing but also spending quality time with the residents, engaging in activities, and bringing a sense of joy to the lives of the less fortunate.

     5. Street Outreach:
     – Some groups extend their generosity to the Beggers by organizing street outreach programs. This may involve distributing care packages containing food, water, clothing, and essential items to those living on the streets.

     These acts of kindness exemplify the true spirit of Christmas in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of sharing blessings, expressing compassion, and fostering a sense of community. By reaching out to the less privileged, families, churches, and community groups contribute to creating a more inclusive and festive celebration for everyone, embodying the essence of love and giving during the holiday season.

5. Street Celebrations:
   • Street celebrations during Christmas in my country are a vibrant display of communal joy and festivity. As the holiday spirit takes over, the streets come alive with the laughter of children wearing whimsical plastic eyeglasses, adding a playful and colourful touch to the atmosphere. The exuberance spills into street processions and parades, where communities come together to showcase their unique cultural expressions and celebrate the season in grand style.

• • Children, in particular, revel in the enchanting ambience, participating in games and activities organized for their enjoyment. The streets become playgrounds, echoing with the laughter and excitement of the young ones.

Overall, I miss home!!, I miss the love at home!!!. I miss the real chicken we eat in Nigeria not the soft chicken we eat here. I miss my friends, nobody has time here to make friends because everyone is busy hustling for money to pay bills, I miss my family. Ultimately, folks, there’s truly no place like home.