Christmas in Nigeria is more than just a holiday. It is a season filled with love, family bonding, food, and unforgettable memories. Across the country, families may celebrate differently, but some traditions remain the same. Here are six things almost every Nigerian family does every Christmas.
1. Travel Back Home (The Famous “Home for Christmas”)
For many Nigerians, Christmas is incomplete without travelling back to the village or hometown. Long road trips, packed buses, and traffic-filled highways are all part of the experience. It is also the period when Nigerians in the diaspora return home for the holidays, making towns, villages, and cities lively, crowded, and full of joy. This annual homecoming creates a rare opportunity for extended family members to reunite under one roof, reconnect, and celebrate together.
2. Cook in Large Quantities
From jollof rice and fried rice to an endless supply of protein, Nigerian families cook like an entire community is coming over—because they usually are. Large pots of smoky jollof rice, party-style fried rice, and white rice are prepared alongside fried, grilled, or stewed chicken, goat meat, and beef. Side dishes such as coleslaw, Nigerian-style salad, moi moi, and dodo (fried plantain) are never missing. Neighbours, friends, and relatives often drop in unannounced, confident that there will always be enough food waiting for them.
3. Attend Christmas Church Service
Whether it’s a midnight service, early morning mass, or special thanksgiving, Christmas church attendance is almost compulsory. Families dress in their best outfits, give thanks, and start the celebration on a spiritual note.
4. Wear Matching or Special Outfits
During Christmas, dressing up is a big part of the celebration. Some families sew matching fabrics for everyone, while others simply wear their finest clothes. Recently, couples have joined the fun by wearing matching Christmas pajamas or coordinated outfits, often sharing the moments on WhatsApp, Instagram, and family group chats. Christmas is the perfect excuse to dress up, take pictures, and showcase festive style while creating memories that last beyond the season.
5. Sharing of Gifts
Christmas is a season of love, generosity, and kindness, which is why the sharing of gifts is an important tradition among Nigerian families. During this period, families exchange Christmas gifts as a way of expressing love and appreciation to one another. Gifts are shared with children, relatives, neighbours, and loved ones, strengthening relationships and spreading joy. Whether it is new clothes, food items, or thoughtful presents, the act of giving remains one of the highlights of the Christmas celebration.
6. Outings and Family Get-Togethers
Christmas is also a time when Nigerians organise family outings and social gatherings to relax and bond. Families visit amusement parks, beaches, cinemas, resorts, and popular relaxation spots, making public places lively and fully packed during the season. Others prefer to host house parties, where music plays loudly, food and drinks flow freely, and both young and old come together to celebrate. Whether outside or at home, these outings and gatherings strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
