Christmas is in the air!! Can you smell it?!!?! You might
want to hold off on answering that question though. We’re looking at what makes
Christmas for Nigerians and why we love the season so much (despite how
stressful it can be). For us here at Jovago.com, it is definitely the increase in
hotel bookings! ;)
1.
Lots
of Guests
When Christmas rolls around, people
suddenly seem to automatically remember where your house is. And when I say
“people”, I don’t mean the usual everyday people who occasionally stop by out
of the blue. I mean the people who you haven’t seen since the last blue moon,
which in this case may be Christmas or New Year, who suddenly happen to be “in
the neighborhood”. Now, there are people who welcome these guests and the
battalion they bring with them, and there are those who can do without the
trooping in and out of uninvited guests.
2.
The
“Smell” of Christmas
Sure, a lot of people can smell
Christmas in the air, but what is the Christmas smell exactly? Some describe it
as the smell of candy when you first wake up Christmas morning (yes,
seriously). Some say it’s not exactly a smell, but a sort of feeling that
follows the season and some say it smells like armpit (maybe because of the
crowd?). Whatever the smell of Christmas is though, it is something that brings
with it a lot of mixed feelings – ranging from excitement about the holidays to
anxiety about the impending cost of the holidays.
3.
Lights
Nigeria actually lights up for
Christmas, and we love it! The streets are lined with Christmas lights and
certain companies take it upon themselves to decorate some streets and maybe a
landmark or two in honor of the season. Sure, it may be another marketing
strategy, but it’s so beautiful I don’t think anyone really cares.
4.
Nicer
People
Christmas happens to be a time to
catch Nigerians at their best. Customer service is at its peak, everyone is
cheery and polite, and the compliments keep pouring in from service workers. Of
course, we’re aware it’s all part of the joy the season brings, but we love it
anyway. Not only is the mood a great morale booster, it’s also quite
infectious.
5.
Food
I know you’ve been waiting for this
one. It goes without saying; Christmas is a big deal holiday in Nigeria, and
the best way Nigerians know how to celebrate is with food in abundance. Jollof
rice, fried rice, chicken, turkey, goat meat, pepper soup, there’s so much
variety being offered from every imaginable angle, it’s almost ridiculous.
Nigerians take overfeeding to a whole new level where Christmas is concerned.
But who can complain about something that brings people together?
6.
Presents/Hampers
Personally, I’m partial to hampers;
especially the ones that are put together with some thought. I doubt anyone can
deny that presents make them happy. Everyone loves to get stuff, and it brings
extra joy when we get something we actually want; which is why everyone is
either putting together wish lists right now, or consulting buying guides. The
best thing about gift shopping in Nigeria is there is no rush period. Even if
you procrastinate until the very last minute – granted your last minute isn’t
Christmas day.
7.
Less
Office Work, More Parties
Even slave drivers have to take days
off. As December begins, the work load starts to reduce for most as they
prepare for the long holiday. Sadly, there are those who only get Christmas day
and the day after off (awww), but that hasn’t ever really stopped anyone from
fully partaking in all the festivities of the season. Christmas is a great time
to play host, and groups and companies happily take advantage of the eager
public.
