Nigerians: Our plans for Christmas

Christmas is an annual festival celebrated by Christians around the world to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. December 25th is the day set aside for the celebration but a lot of preparations and plans herald it. Christmas is not just a period to celebrate the birth of Christ. For many, it is a period […]

Christmas is an annual festival celebrated by Christians around the world to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

December 25th is the day set aside for the celebration but a lot of preparations and plans herald it.

Christmas is not just a period to celebrate the birth of Christ. For many, it is a period to relax, meet friends, go to the cinemas or visit interesting places. Yet for others, it is a time to visit the less privileged in the society and show love to them.

Plans like shopping for clothes, travel arrangements, meet-up with friends, hosting and attending parties are geared towards this day.

The business world is not left out as shopping malls, travel agencies, hotels and restaurants tailor their marketing strategies to target the season.

Also, people and organisations use this season to carry out humanitarian acts like visiting indigent communities, orphanages and the likes.

Because the yuletide season heralds the New Year, corporate organisations usually plan end-of-the-year parties and get together around this time.

So what are some Nigerians planning for Christmas?

Abuja-based Adedapo Aderele told Daily Trust that his plan for Christmas is to have a quiet time.

He said, “I plan to have a quiet, introspective time at home. Probably visit Jabi Lake and Millennium Park. See a couple of movies too.”

Chidi C. Chilaka said he is an activist as such he plans to have a tête-à-tête with his brothers and sisters in the struggle.

In addition, Chidi who is based in Owerri said, “I would be visiting the families of my fellow comrades who lost their lives in the struggle. It’s been a wonderful year no doubt but my activities for Christmas will be a very private one.”

Aliyu Ismail, a student based in Nasarawa State, said even though Christmas is celebrated by Christians, “It doesn’t mean Muslims won’t relax and enjoy the festivities.”

Aliyu said his plans for Christmas will begin with travelling to his home town of Tal in Shendam LGA of Plateau State to see his grandmother and relations.

He said that he will be in Abuja on the 25th for an outing with friends probably to Silverbird Cinema for a movie or two, partying and planning for the New Year.”

Aliyu added that as a student leader, his holiday ends by December 27, as he would have to be in school to prepare for resumption.

Actor Yomi Fabiyi said he has a Europe tour planned out for his Christmas and New Year to appreciate his fans for their support.

“I am on my Europe tour to spend Christmas and New Year with my fans and loved ones. I am in London presently; I am doing Nothingham, Leicester, Manchester, then Germany, Spain, France, Holland, and Scotland.”

Lagos-based Bola Muse, the CEO of Bomarah Group, said she would be celebrating Christmas with her family here in Nigeria.

Asiwaju Dele Taiwo, a musician based in Lagos, said his celebration would be with his family. He said they would spend the holiday in America, “we would be visiting some historical places.”

Merry Henry, who is based in Uyo but currently in Philadelphia, said at the Christmas weekend they would be taking their one-year-old daughter to see Santa Claus, the zoo and museum.

Merry said, “I will do all my cooking or most of it on Sunday.” She intends to prepare catfish pepper soup with white rice, mixed veggies, baked chicken and smoothies.

She added, “We should hopefully be in New York to see my in-laws on 25th. During the week after Monday, we plan to visit most, if not all, of the historical places in Philadelphia.”

So, what are your plans for the holiday season?