Tag: holidays

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Christmas Traditions: Nigeria vs. Western Celebrations

By Haven Adisa

The other day, my daughter came home from school with tears in her eyes. Her classmates had told her, “There’s no Santa Claus.” She looked at me, searching for answers, and in that moment, I realized this was more than a question about a man in a red suit—it was about the magic and meaning of Christmas.

So, I sat her down and told her the truth: Santa Claus is real—but not in the way you think. He lives in the spirit of generosity, kindness, and joy that has been part of Christmas for centuries.

Christmas Didn’t Start Right Away

People often assume Christmas has been celebrated since the birth of Christ. In reality, it wasn’t an early Christian holiday. According to historical records, celebrations of Christ’s birth began around 200 AD, and by the 4th century, churches agreed on December 25 as the official date. Why that date? Some link it to the Roman festival Saturnalia, others to Jewish traditions. Over time, elements from pagan winter festivals—like gift-giving, greenery, and feasting—blended into Christmas.

Traditions That Shaped Christmas

  • Nativity Scenes: St. Francis of Assisi introduced the first crèche in 1223, making the Nativity central to Christmas.
  • Christmas Trees: Originating from pagan symbols of life, they became a sign of hope and eternity. Early gifts were hung on trees before moving under them.
  • Holly & Yule Logs: Holly symbolized everlasting life and Christ’s crown of thorns; Yule logs came from old customs of sharing warmth.
  • Santa Claus: Rooted in St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for secret acts of charity. Dutch settlers brought his tradition to America, evolving into the jolly Santa we know today.

Christmas in Nigeria: Vibrant and Joyful

In Nigeria, Christmas is a family-centered celebration filled with color and music:

  • Family Reunions: Many travel to ancestral villages for big gatherings.
  • Church Services: Worship and carols are central on Christmas Day.
  • Festive Meals: Jollof rice, pounded yam, goat meat, and “small chops” like puff-puff and samosas.
  • Fashion: Coordinated Ankara outfits—families compete for the most stylish look!
  • Father Christmas: Children eagerly await gifts from Baba Christmas, often at parties or community events.
  • Decorations: Homes, malls, and streets sparkle with lights and ornaments.

How Does This Compare to Western Traditions?

  • Family: Both cultures value togetherness, but Nigeria emphasizes large village reunions.
  • Food: Western tables feature turkey and pies; Nigerian feasts are spicy and diverse.
  • Fashion: Cozy sweaters in the West vs. bold, elegant attire in Nigeria.
  • Santa vs. Father Christmas: Sleigh and reindeer vs. dancing in vibrant prints.
  • Decorations: Both love lights and trees, but Nigerian celebrations add music and color everywhere.

One thing I love to do is eat on Christmas. I love to make Jollof rice with a nice crunchy salad and then top it off with a sweet and delicious Puff-Puff. I inherited these recipes, but I will gladly pass them on. They’re like little yummy donuts and they’re great to leave Santa. Here is the recipe:

To make Puff Puff, follow these steps:

  1. Ingredients: You will need flour, sugar, yeast, warm water, salt, and oil for deep frying. 
  2. Mixing: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add warm water and mix until a smooth batter forms.
  3. Rising: Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size. 
  4. Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan and gently drop small portions of the batter into the oil. Fry until golden brown and puff
  5. Serving: Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, plain, or with sugar or dipping sauces. 
  6. Enjoy your delicious Puff Puff!

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Falling Into The Beauty of Autumn

By Luz Chiara Atoyebi

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?
View all responses

I love the month of November. It’s generally the time when the leaves begin to change color and thoughts of the holidays dance around in our minds. I especially love Thanksgiving. Over the last decade I have significantly scaled down my festivities. I did this for various reasons. One, I needed to in order to reconnect to the true meaning of the holiday which is to , not outdo my family members in the kitchen, but to enjoy the day and have a good meal. Two, I really started to order in takeout. Ordering in takeout on Thanksgiving has been a game changer for me. No more stressing about picky eaters or anti-social family members. I can grab what everyone wants, lay it out, then relax, For those of us that cook, it can be a stressful time. But, not when you order in. The only thing that’s missing is that certain, je nais se quois, that’s the love of a homecooked meal.

November is also a spiritual month as well. It is as perfect time to remember those family and friends that are no longer with us. It’s also a time to remember that, the most important aspect of the holidays is love. Just being with people you care about is a blessing, in my opinion. There are people that do not have anyone to spend time with on the holidays. Others don’t like their choices and would rather just be alone. Politics have been particularly stressful and people have allowed the media to separate them on a difference of opinion. I will admit, I will permanently look at some people differently after the way that acted this past year. It could never be the same. This last political cycle, especially for those with money and jobs on the line, showed a whole side of themselves that needed to be kept locked away. At this point, the grins and handshakes are tenuous,—I’d only break bread with one eye open. On the flip side, there is a certain strength and resolve that has arisen from remaining true to oneself during this season. But, I won’t judge you if protecting your peace is far more important than anything else. There’s nothing wrong with spending it alone, but there are other ways to do it. For example, you can start a Friendsgiving tradition.

Some of my best days around the holiday were spent with my friends. However, I personally like to go home during Thanksgiving or even host because it’s the one time of year I make and indulge in the world famous Patti Labelle Mac and Cheese. If you haven’t had it, I highly recommend it. You’ll sleep like a baby afterward.

November is the month that’s considered the quiet before the storm. It’s the time to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for the year ahead. It’s been a busy year, why not take a break and wind down? This month, I am getting a new arsenal of board games to play with my kids, I am getting back into reading and overall, I am simply meditating and enjoying the changes in the weather. I won’t be doing a lot of holiday parties this year either. I’ve really been in my solo vibe and it has been an experience all its own. I love it. If you haven’t had that time in life where it’s just you and God, I highly recommend it. It’s life changing. It will open spiritual doors that no one can shut and rearrange the way you see yourself, others, and life. Who knows what next year will bring, but this year, I started with love and I will end on the same note.