By Tosin Adesile
December is the 12th month of the year which signifies Christmas is around the corner, an annual festival commemorating the birth month of our Lord Jesus Christ which is observed every 25th December.
History has it that Christmas means mass on Christ’s day. Since the early 20th century, Christmas is usually observed by both Christians and non-Christians as it comes up at the end of the year which is usually a time family comes together to celebrate good times.
During this period, it is decoratively marked with exchange of gifts by friends and well-wishers while most parents take their children to see santa-claus known as Father Christmas to receive gifts.
Roads, Companies, Offices, Schools, Markets, Hospital, Churches, relaxation centers are usually decorated with Christmas light, Christmas trees and bonuses given out to celebrate the period.
Not only that, cinemas, tourist attractions, lounge are usually hot during the Christmas period with Christmas three and lightening everywhere.
December 25 is a federal holiday in Nigeria.
The holiday does not end easily as it starts with Christmas eve party and followed by Christmas day party and later boxing Day which happens to be another holiday.
On Christmas day, services is held in different churches and it usually hymnal in nature to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Christmas in Nigeria is a family event. It is a family affair when lots of family members come together to celebrate and have fun. The period is usually witnessed with most families travelling to the village where grandparents’ and older relatives live.
Despite the current insecurity facing Nigeria, Christmas it is a must but it should be low-keyed so as not to draw unnecessary attention.
As we celebrate again this year, I wish you merry Christmas in different Nigerian language; E ku Odun, E kuiyedun; barka da kirismati; E keresimesi Oma; idara ukapade;iselogbe