Christmas is when we all love to let our imaginations run wild and dream of those perfect moments. If money were no object, and everyone would spend Christmas exactly how they always dreamed—no budgets, no compromises, just pure, unapologetic indulgence—Christmas would undoubtedly be different for many people.
In Nigeria, the air carries a different kind of energy this year. The harmattan season wraps the streets in a fine layer of dust, with the dry, calm wind reminding everyone that the festive period has arrived. Yet, the celebrations seem subdued, echoing many Nigerians’ financial strain. Families are stretching their budgets, managing each day as it comes, while the usual exuberance of the holiday season is replaced with careful deliberation over every naira spent.
Against this backdrop, The Benchmark visited several locations in Nigeria to learn how residents plan their holidays. We asked people a simple yet thought-provoking question: “If wishes were horses, how would you spend Christmas?
Jemimah’s wish
Hambolu Abiola Jemimah has her dream holiday all planned out. She is prepared to treat herself to a prayer retreat in a five-star hotel and bask in quiet—no work, no distractions, just pure fellowship with God. She also plans to break her fast in style—with a three-course meal delivered straight to her room.
Jemimah also imagines a detty December where she could stroll on a sunlit beach, sipping on fresh coconut water and snapping endless photos to fill her gallery. She imagines waking up late daily, eating everything in sight, and doing it guilt-free.
“I hardly put on weight, so I would like to gain like 15kg in a week. I want my cheeks to be well-rounded for once, so I will eat a lot,” she says.
She also plans for a serious shopping spree to get all the outfits she had screenshotted on her phone. Stocking up on the best products to style her long natural hair is equally on her bucket list. Lastly, a visit to the museum. “…but no shopping this time. I’ll go there for the vibe,” she adds. But if wishes were horses…
Emmanuel’s Wish
Nabari Emmanuel’s picture of a perfect Christmas starts with lots of giving. “I see Christmas as a season of love and sharing, so I’ll buy many gifts for myself, my friends and my family,” she says.
Nabari wants to spread cheer to people she’s never met: children in orphanages, neighbours struggling to make ends meet, and patients burdened by hospital bills. “I’ll visit the orphanage, give to my neighbours, and help people in the hospital,” she wishes.
After playing Santa, Nabari plans to pack her bags and travel. “I’d love to see the world, try new food, and experience different cultures,” she says. When she’s back from her adventures, she imagines indulging in a complete skincare routine to recover from all that jet-setting and holiday fun.
She also sees herself hosting a holiday feast for her extended family and friends so everyone can come together, eat, laugh, and celebrate life. But if wishes were horses…
Balancing Wishes With Realities
Elsewhere in Abeokuta, Ogun State, is Mrs Sokeye, a mother of two whose ideal Christmas would involve travelling abroad or embarking on an exciting tour with her children. “I’d love to go somewhere fun and just relax,” she says, her laughter filled with dreams.
However, the current economic situation has tempered those aspirations. “Things are tough; we must cut our coats according to our clothes.” Still, she plans to make the best of the season by visiting local attractions like Olumo Rock and the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. “It’s not about how far you go but how much joy you can create where you are.”
Professor Egbeyale also shares similar sentiments. He sees Christmas as “a time to strengthen family bonds and thank God for His blessings.” Egbeyale is a lecturer in the Department of Animal Production and Health at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). If circumstances allow, he would love to take his family abroad for a much-needed change of scenery.
However, he plans to stick to tradition, travelling to Ibadan after the Christmas morning church service to reunite with extended family. He reminisced about previous celebrations where children laughed over card games as the aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air. “It’s a beautiful way to promote love and togetherness,” he declares.
A Christmas In Solitude
“I wish I could spend this holiday in a peaceful and welcoming place where I could talk to God, relax, and set my worries aside,” says Ms Biola, a School Teacher in Abeokuta. Pausing as if imagining the tranquillity. In reality, however, her plans are more down-to-earth. She explained that she and her family would travel home to spend quality time together. “We want to create cherished memories, go out, and enjoy the simple joys of being together.”
Coincidentally, another Lagos-based Engineer, Gbadebo, also wants a quiet Christmas. After a challenging year marked by both gains and losses, he longs for solitude. “I just want to stay home, lock myself in, and reflect,” he says, his words carrying the weight of a year’s struggles. He wants to watch movies, play chess, pray, and prepare for the new year. “Sometimes, the best way to reset is to spend time with yourself,” he resigns.
It’s All About the Sacrifices
For Nurse Ogundijo, the essence of Christmas lies in selfless service, giving and spreading love. “If I could, I’d go to rural areas to celebrate with the less privileged, sharing Christ’s message and offering hope,” she says passionately. Restricted by her nursing job, she plans to celebrate by distributing food items to neighbours. “It’s how my family and I show love with the little we have.”
These heartfelt conversations offered a vivid glimpse into how Nigerians find meaning in this festive season, balancing dreams with the constraints of daily life. Whether through quiet reflection, family reunions, or acts of kindness, each person’s approach embodies the enduring spirit of Christmas.
Written by: Happiness Uduak and Adebisi Precious.
