Background
With the last month of the year upon us, nigerianoise.com asked a cross-section of Nigerians what they think about the December holidays.
Here, we bring you some selected responses.
December holidays: Season’s greetings to Nigerians
Responses from a select group of Nigerians
Olajide, Engineer: I am afraid of travelling during the December holidays, not with all that’s happening on the roads. I no wan be kidnap victim o! My people no get shi shi.
Chinwe, civil servant: God, the cost of food don go up up. Dey wan starve us ni? My salary dey finish in the first one week. E no dey carry me reach end of month and my fiancé just lost im job. May God help o
Jumoke, Banker: My problem with December holidays season is the in-laws that come around using the period as excuse. Honestly, the exhaust me. I can’t stand them.
Adijat, Catering business: I really love the business that comes with the end of year season. Its bumper harvest time. Many events, office end-of-year parties, family get together, weddings … December holidays are always good to me
Chukwudi, trader: Honestly, there is stress in December. Sales boys go dey give excuse so e fit travel. Me ma need to go village, and I no fit close shop
Linda, cashier: I don’t like the impatience of customers during the period. Lines for queue is long. Dey go just dey shout for person head to hurry hurry. Na only two hands and one head I get.
David, currently unemployed: I hate the noisy carols, family members coming around and in your face. Why have you not gotten job yet, why you never marry, yen yen yen. Abeg
Lookman, Health care professional: I don’t like the unnecessary expenses that comes with the December holidays season. My wife is a Christian and honestly, she goes crazy overspending in December. I think she gets her priorities all mixed up. In January, her eyes come down …
More responses … on what the dread about the December holidays
Ini, Student: I always get sick during December, food poisoning usually. I think I need to say no to some free meals shared during the several events around Christmas
Kikelomo, Legal assistant: It’s the never-ending hope of finding love and a true partner at that time of the year. New people are in town, and you just hope the real one will show up and sweep you off your feet. Hmmm. But New Years and January rolls in, with nothing happening. I hope this is my year. Laughs
Hakeem, student: I hate running errands all over the place with nothing to show for it. I will avoid those stingy uncles and aunties during this December holidays.
Amina, boutique owner: I should say the truth and shame the devil? It’s the young kids accompanying their parents to visit. Running around the house and dirtying things. Something toppling stuff over and damaging them, Gosh! How I sometimes wish I could spank them and say – stay put. It’s a relieve when their parents eventually leave
Daniel, unemployed: na de street fights I like. One second everything dey quiet and just like magic everywhere don scatter. I no like peace, I like vawulence
Chinedu, lecturer: this one thing gets to me. Irresponsible parents that buy those dangerous firecrackers for their kids. When one goes off, I feel like slapping the parent. Nonsense
Ebele, lecturer: This December no go get joy at all. Eight months, no pay. Ngige harsh. Na our ASUU president spoil everything, he go personalise de fight. See where we dey now. Na to lay low this December