Beautiful Christmas Traditions Observed in Nigeria

Beautiful Christmas Traditions Observed in Nigeria

Christmas is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ in the Christian religion and is celebrated on the 25^th of December every year. Christmas is a period of great celebration filled with hope and enthusiasm for the New Year, and it is often accompanied by various acts in preparation for the big day. You are probably familiar with some of the traditions observed during Christmas.

Santa Claus Party

Often referred to as “Father Christmas”, kids are filled with joy and expectations at the thought of visiting Father Christmas. Father Christmas at carols, Christmas parties and amusement centres often shower visitors with gifts like toys or hats for kids, and hampers for adults. Christmas tradition is usually observed as early as the 15^th of December to the 28^th of December, and sometimes into the New Year. 

Read Also: 7 Fun Places to be in Nigeria this Christmas

Fireworks

Fireworks heighten the expectations of Christmas. They are used from early November to the New Year. Fireworks become more frequent on Christmas eve (24^th December), Christmas day (25^th December) and New Year eve (31^st December). They are enjoyed by both kids and adults around the world. 

Christmas Decoration and House Cleaning

Most homes sparkle at this time of the year. Aside from the excitement of Christmas, one way to truly bond with family and friends during this season is by organizing home cleaning, renovations and decorations. Decorating the house with Christmas lights and trees add colours and cheer to the season. 

Christmas Carol

Churches and organizations are the major host of carol services in Nigeria. Christmas carols are often held on Christmas eve and in some cases, a few days before Christmas. They feature songs, dances, religious dramas, foods and sharing of gifts.

The killing of Christmas Chicken

Nigerians are cool with buying frozen foods on normal days but not during Christmas. The killing of Christmas chicken, turkey or goat for asun (roasted meat) is a much-anticipated tradition in almost all Nigerian homes. At this time, families prefer to explore the whole process of preparing the chicken which includes first, the killing, defeathering with hot water, boiling, frying or roasting.

Christmas Rice

The Christmas chicken goes well with the rice. Christmas rice could be white rice and stew, fried rice or the popular Nigerian Jollof, Yummy! It could be served with salad, plantain, Moi Moi or a variety of options. 

Christmas Clothes, Shoes, Bags and Hairs

Kids in Nigeria look forward to this time of the year especially because of Christmas clothes, shoes, and bags. This is one of the reasons parents go out of their way to make Christmas a memorable one for their children. However, adults are not left out. Fashion stores salons and barbershops are often filled up at this time of the year as people prepare for an amazing Christmas. 

Tell us which one you love the most.