By Maryam Suleiman Yusuf

As Christmas approaches, Nigerian cities are preparing for the holiday season. Streets are lit with colorful lights, shops display festive decorations, and neighborhoods hum with activity as families ready their homes and kitchens for celebrations.

Family Meals and Traditions

In homes across the country, kitchens are busy with holiday preparations. Families cook traditional dishes such as Jollof rice, fried chicken, pepper soup, grilled fish, and, in the South-East, Ugba and palm wine for extended family gatherings. Children help with small tasks while adults prepare elaborate meals for Christmas Day, creating the aromas that define the season. Many families place wrapped gifts under Christmas trees, and elders distribute “Christmas money” to younger relatives, reinforcing family bonds.

Markets, Gifts, and Travel

Markets in Lagos Island, Kaduna, and Onitsha report high demand for staples and festive items, including rice, tomatoes, soft drinks, and gift items. Gift-giving is central: children receive clothes, shoes, and toys, while adults exchange perfumes, household goods, and small electronics. Major transportation hubs are crowded as families travel to their hometowns, highlighting the importance of togetherness during the holiday.

Street Celebrations and Community Spirit

Beyond homes, streets reflect the festive mood. Neighborhoods host small gatherings, music plays in public spaces, and street vendors sell seasonal treats. In some regions, concerts, beach outings, and street carnivals add to the lively atmosphere. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), fireworks are banned for safety, leading communities to organize smaller, secure celebrations that preserve the festive spirit.

Source: Maryam Suleiman Yusuf