Christmas Around the World, Part 3 - Nigeria!

During this Advent season, we are taking a trip around the world, exploring Christmas traditions from different countries. Our third stop is Nigeria, where old traditions meet new ones at Christmastime.

One tradition that may be impacted this year is the flow of people out of the cities and back to their home villages or suburbs. In fact, some Nigerians even keep a house in their hometown for the purpose of hosting Christmas gatherings.

Another Nigerian tradition involves the purchase of new outfits to be worn to church on Christmas. These are often ordered months ahead of time and contribute to making the day feel special. And while many of us will be remaining in our homes this Christmas, participating in this tradition - either with new clothes or just a special outfit you don't often wear - can help make your family's day feel a little more special as well.

After putting on your Christmas clothes, your family can sit down to a meal of Jollof Rice (sometimes spelled Jellof), a one-pot dish that is extremely popular across West Africa. With a base of rice and tomato broth, and topped with the protein of your choice, this dish is easy and delicious. There is a recipe with clear directions and lots of tips on ingredients and preparation available at Immaculate Bites.

Masquerades, which are rooted in old traditions, have also become part of Christmas in Nigeria. These include colorful costumes, dancing, and are unique to each people of Nigeria. We've included a few photos on this post, but there are many more photos and videos available online - try beginning your search with "Nigerian Christmas masquerade."

Common to each of these traditions is sharing - sharing one's home, food, and joy with others. In this spirit, giving to those in need is also a Christmas tradition in Nigeria, one in which your family can definitely share. Whether it's by giving money, messages of hope, or your time, take some time to appreciate and share your family's blessings this year.

We invite you to share photos or stories of your family's Nigerian Christmas celebrations with us on our Facebook page, and join us next week as we make our final stop!