Christmas in Nigeria is a time of love, joy, and the pandemonium that only Nigerians can provide. The day is full with fun, family drama, and plenty of food.
Christmas in Nigeria is unlike any other, with a diverse range of characters contributing to an amazing celebration. From foodies to fashionistas, everyone brings their own mood to the table. From the lavishly dressed to the insatiably hungry, there are plenty of characters to bring the season to life.
Here are the five types of Nigerians you are sure to meet on Christmas Day:
The overdressed fashionistas
For these Nigerians, Christmas Day is a fashion competition, and they want to win gold. Outfits are arranged weeks in advance, complete with matching accessories, and a picture shoot is booked before they go out. Compliments like “Wow, see how fine you are!” are their fuel for the day. If they don’t hear enough, they will continue to modify their garments until someone notices.
The food aficionados
These are the actual heroes of Christmas. Their passion for cuisine is unrivalled, and their plates are proof. Whether it’s jollof rice, fried rice, chicken, or moi moi, they make sure no delicacy goes unnoticed.
They’ll go to several houses in the pretence of “greeting friends,” but we know they’re there for the food. By the evening, they’re pros at smuggling takeaway packs into their bags. If you’re hosting, simply concede and continue serving. You will be unable to resist them.
The party hosts
These Nigerians are the foundation of Christmas celebrations. They transform their homes into small carnivals, complete with loud music, tables piled high with food, and enough drinks to quench a crowd’s thirst.
Expect to see youngsters running around, aunties dancing the latest moves, and uncles talking politics in one corner. The party hosts are always smiling as they wander around with dishes of food, but you can catch them taking breaks in the kitchen, wondering why they invited half the neighbourhood.
The grinches
Do you know someone who doesn’t “get” Christmas? That’s The Grinch. They’ll laugh at your decorations and moan about how people spend money on “unnecessary things.” If you try to promote holiday cheer, they will respond with a lecture on consumerism. Avoid them if you don’t want your festive joy shattered.
The billers
These opportunists use the Christmas season to cash out. They see the holiday as an ideal opportunity to ask relatives and friends for money. Their fave line? “Aunty, anything for your boy?” They’ll even send broadcast messages with their account information, disguised as holiday greetings. If you don’t react, expect follow-up calls laced with guilt trips.
