The Christmas season in Nigeria is a very unique period. It is usually filled with a lot of festivities.
The highlight of the season is the celebrations and decorations. The smell of food drifting through the streets, the cool harmattan breeze, and carol songs are not to be traded for anything. For little children, what makes their day is seeing a “Father Christmas.”
Meanwhile, Christmas Eve carries the quiet joy of knowing it’s almost Christmas Day. The beauty of Christmas Eve is found in the little things, the kind that make you smile and say, “Thank God for life.” Nigerian households have their own unique ways of having a good time on Christmas Eve, even without breaking the bank.
It is well known that every member of a family tries to make it home during the festive season. In fact, many people do not mind travelling long distances just to be together. Having the family under one roof is a highly cherished way of celebrating Christmas Eve. The house is often packed to the brim, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and loved ones gather to celebrate. Sitting together, telling stories, sharing gifts, and praying for the new year brings a sense of reassurance. These conversations are remembered for a long time. Having family around is a reminder that presence matters more than presents.
Wining and dining together during the season of joy creates a special atmosphere. Jollof rice or white rice with soup, accompanied by a protein of choice, especially chicken, is the staple meal prepared by most Nigerian households at Christmas. The love with which these meals are prepared makes them even more special.
The excitement young children feel during Christmas can be compared to nothing else. On Christmas Eve, they eagerly anticipate the coming day and cannot wait to put on their new clothes. They blow balloons and may even help in getting the house ready.
Christmas Eve is also a time for preparation for the “Big Day.” Decorations are put in place, clothes are neatly ironed, plates washed, ingredients prepared, and the house cleaned in readiness to receive guests.
Some households even have coolers filled with steaming hot jollof rice and fried meats for guests who arrive early on Christmas morning. The intense preparation builds anticipation, creating a feeling that something good is coming.
Many Nigerians believe it is important to pray on Christmas Eve. Religious gatherings may take the form of night vigils or Christmas Eve worship services, filling the atmosphere with songs of gratitude and hope. Even a short family prayer at home can help set the mood.
Many Nigerians celebrate Christmas Eve with profound gratitude, for life, for family, for friends, for strength, and for the opportunity to celebrate yet another Christmas. The year may not have gone as envisioned, but being alive is worthy of great gratitude. The night before Christmas is quietly filled with hope, hope for a better new year, new opportunities, answered prayers, and a brighter future.
Christmas Eve is a magical night that ushers everyone into a day of joy. Everyone chats, laughs, and reminisces about old memories. The festive season is not about how big the celebration is, it is about love, faith, family, and gratitude. Nothing can dim the sparkle of Christmas Eve.
What does Christmas Eve mean to you? How are you celebrating Christmas? Comment, share, reflect, and pray.
