ACROSS nations of the world, December is remarkable not just as the last month in the year but for the colours and candours, glitz and razzmatazz of celebration it presents for individuals, families and organizations. It cuts across creed, cultures and colour.
The atmosphere about this time each year is usually unmistakably infectious, compelling celebrations of different degrees and dimensions. It is therefore not surprising that many look forward to the month of December for the profound love that is palpably distillable in the air, the travels and family reunions and exchange of gifts hold some treasurable memories. Communities have also been known to cash in on the festivities to organize development meetings where the pathways to the future are often fashioned.
Coming close to the end of the year, businesses and corporate organisations also consider it the best time for stock taking and re-evaluation of positions, earlier held postulations and partnerships.
Apart from being the last month of the year, December is synonymous with festivities, lavish spending and time to unwind. Some say it is the best time to fix a much needed holiday. There’s therefore a strong feeling in the air which can neither be doused, denied nor dampened. The truth however remains that even the will of Christmas as is currently the case answers to the he wind and pull of the economy.
Traditionally, one does not need to be reminded that it is Christmas as there are usually welcomed noise and melodies from nearby music and video CD sellers at bus stops, who repeatedly play Christmas carols. The social media is also reflective of the undeniable mood of the season.
Together they help to set the mood because in the words of Chinua Achebe, the festival that will turn out to be great starts showing signs from the size and volume of firewood committedly fetched by individuals and families.
That sweet melody in the air is usually part of the reminders to many that Christmas is near. Today, it has been observed across the country that fewer of the calming carol tunes are heard from the loudspeakers of the CD merchants. A friend observed that even the decorations at the major districts of Asaba are no longer as lavish as they used to be. That again could be a reflection of how the economy defines scope of Christmas celebration. When Christmas decorations begin to wear austere looks, it is time to begin to examine how the economy has fared in the outgoing year. Items that used to feature prominently in the celebration of Christmas have gone out of the reach of many. It is indeed a season of rhapsodies of absurdities and anormies.
The rice that used to come in bags now come in cups while the cows that were freely given out to mark the season have become for a far reduced percentage of citizens. The hampers have indeed become some rare sights as families grapple with basic survival issues. Many are mindful of what await them in January including school fees, rent and the challenge of meeting with the demands of daily survival.
Even hawkers of Christmas items, especially caps, decorations, and toys are worried about passersby’s loud apathy to purchase the fun items. The days of Father Christmas in a grotto doling out gifts to children appear to be far gone.
The reality on ground does not support unguided flamboyance and unregulated merriments this yuletide as the hardship in the economy has hugely reduced the purchasing power of many Nigerians, leaving them struggling to put food on their tables. With the worst inflation in the history of the country, the worst unemployment rate and the high rate of insecurity, a low keyed Christmas has become an imperative for many.
Most parents now care more about feeding than celebrating Christmas and facing the reality of January expenses in a ‘tinubunized’ economy. “It has not been this bad before. By the second week in December, we should have stopped collecting materials from customers for sewing, but the materials are not even coming. Some of my customers are blaming the harsh economy for the negative turn of events”.
Those were the words of a tailor who has experienced unprecedented low patronage. He believes that people are reacting to the harsh economic reality in the country, which got worse since the present administration came out with economic reform policies that have ended up enlarging poverty in the land.
Even the transport business is not spared. Many are beginning to come to terms with the reality that Christmas can be celebrated in any location “ after all Biblical account did not state that Jesus was born right in my village “ has become the consolatory note of those who cannot afford the high transport fare being charged at the parks.
Nigeria has faced the worst inflation this year and things don’t even seem to get better during this festive period as the price of foodstuff and goods keep galloping.
Despite the harsh economic situation however Nigerians never allow any political, economic, or social condition to dampen their Christmas and New Year spirit as they desire to enter the festivities in a celebration mood. No matter what the year has brought, people go into Christmas and New Year celebrations with renewed hope for a bright future.
The past few months have been something else with negative economic indicators; from inflation, resulting in a hike in food prices, to fuel scarcity and the rest. The masses are struggling to survive.
The birth of Christ has to be celebrated all the same despite the current situation in the country.
The economic challenges stem from ambitious reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The decision to end fuel subsidies and liberalize the naira has led to a triple increase in fuel prices, a substantial devaluation of the naira, and a notable surge in food prices, according to reports from the World Bank. Christmas celebrated annually on December 25, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed by billions of people worldwide. Over time, the holiday has transcended religious boundaries, with non-Christians in many parts of the world also partaking in the festivities.
Beyond its economic significance, for many Nigerian families, the excitement of the Yuletide season, combined with the charm of the Harmattan weather, creates an atmosphere filled with endless social activities. The infectious celebration is undeniably in the air.
Preparations begin weeks in advance, with families decorating their homes with colourful, illuminating lights and Christmas trees. Traditionally a time for reunions, Christmas sees many Nigerians travelling from cities to their hometowns and villages to celebrate with friends and loved ones and indulge in the joys of the season.
However, this year, the joyous spirit that epitomes the festive spirit seems to have waned. The surge in the prices of food, clothes, decorations, transport, and other leisure activities has dampened the usual Christmas cheer.
With about two days to go, a sombre atmosphere has settled over the holiday season, a direct result of the country’s challenging economic situation.
The Christmas vibe this year is everywhere, no doubt but the sound is an all-time low as informed by the economy.
