With just 10 days left before December, it’s clear that the Christmas season is fast approaching. Here in Nigeria, the festive vibe is already in the air, and soon enough, you’ll start seeing different people traveling back to their hometowns to celebrate Christmas with their families. For many people over here, it’s a tradition to return home, reconnect with loved ones, and just enjoy the warmth of the season.
I won’t be joining the early rush this time around, though. Since I’m still in school, I’ll wait a few days before Christmas to make my way home. But as always, Christmas at home is something I eagerly look forward to. It’s such a unique time for my family and me—a period filled with food, laughter, and togetherness.
I live with just my mum and my siblings and at home, my mother normally takes the lead in making sure the holiday is perfect. A few days before Christmas, she heads to the market to buy everything we’ll need for the celebrations. Chicken, meat, and other foodstuffs are at the top of the list, along with crates of soft drinks like Pepsi, Coke, and Fanta to pair with our meals. She’s incredibly thorough, restocking the fridge with everything necessary to keep the festivities going strong. It’s always an enjoyable period for me because I know that home-cooked meals during Christmas are on another level. There’s no comparison between the food we get at school and the deliciousness of my mum’s Christmas cooking.
The highlight for me isn’t just the food, though—it’s the atmosphere. Everyone is in high spirits, there’s always music playing, and the house feels so alive with the smell of jollof rice, fried chicken, and all kinds of treats. For a student like me who spends most of the year at school eating whatever is available, this is something I never take for granted. Christmas at home is a tradition that fills me with gratitude every year because i am always in school for the most days in December before going home.
That said, I have also made plans with my school friends to enjoy the season in a different way. We have actually been talking about going out to unwind and make the most of the holiday break. Since we all live in the same city, we’ve decided to visit places like the Shoprite, amusement parks, and other fun spots around town. It’s going to be exciting because it’s not just about where we go but also about the company. Spending time with these friends, laughing and creating memories, will make this Christmas extra special for me.
I am really looking forward to the holidays this year. It feels like a perfect mix of family time and hanging out with friends. On one hand, there’s the comfort of home—the food, the love, and the festive spirit. On the other hand, there’s the thrill of exploring the city and enjoying moments with my friends. This balance is what makes the feeling of Christmas so magical for me.