Quiet Joy in Tough Times: Nigerians mark peaceful Christmas amid insecurity, economic hardship
Story by Vivian OKAFOR and Martha GWARY
Despite lingering insecurity and severe economic hardship, Nigerians across the country marked Christmas in a calm and reflective atmosphere, holding firmly to the spirit of peace and hope that defines the season.
Modest Celebrations
In many communities, celebrations were modest. Church services were well attended, prayers focused on peace, safety, and national healing, while families gathered quietly in their homes rather than staging elaborate festivities.
Security Issues/ Rising Food Prices
Heightened security presence in some areas reassured worshippers, even as safety concerns remained in parts of the country.
Rising food prices and reduced incomes shaped how the season was observed. Many households scaled down traditional feasts, opting for simple meals and shared contributions among extended families and neighbours.
Read also: What’s the cost of a Merry Christmas?, Azu Ishiekwene
Acts of kindness, sharing food, clothing, and small gifts, became a central feature of the celebrations, reflecting resilience and communal solidarity.
For many Nigerians, Christmas was less about luxury and more about gratitude, faith, and togetherness. Amid uncertainty, the season served as a reminder of unity, endurance, and the enduring hope for a more peaceful and prosperous nation.
Christmas Celebration in Anambra, South-East Nigeria
Christmas was celebrated across the Eastern part of Nigeria this year with mixed feelings of joy, caution, and reflection.
Christians marked the birth of Jesus Christ through Mass, church services and prayers, even as insecurity and raging economic hardship shaped the celebration.
Church Activities and Turnout
Churches in Anambra State held Christmas services and Mass including night vigils and morning masses.
Impressively, worshippers attended various church activities, though attendance was more controlled than in previous years.
Worshippers arrived early and returned home quickly due to security concerns.
Church leaders preached messages of hope, love, peace, and endurance, encouraging Christians to remain faithful despite the challenges in the country.
Security Presence
Security officers were seen around churches, major roads, and public places. Police, soldiers, and local vigilantes carried out patrols to maintain peace during the festive period.
While their presence brought some confidence, many families still limited movement and avoided long-distance travel.
Mood and Celebration
The general mood of residents was quiet but thankful. Many people said they were grateful to celebrate Christmas peacefully, even though the excitement was lower than in past years.
Some Christians also expressed concern about reports of attacks on Christians in other parts of the country, which made them more careful.
A resident of Umukabia in Umuahia North in Abia State said, “Ekene dili chukwu, maka ndubuise” (Thanks be to God for life is the ultimate). This Christmas is calm, and we are praying for better days” said another woman from Eziowelle in Idemili North of Anambra State.
Economic Situation and Food Prices
Compared to last year, prices of some food items were lower, which helped many families manage the celebration better.
A bag of rice that sold for around ₦90,000 to ₦100,000 last year dropped to about ₦45,000 to ₦50,000 this year in many markets across the East.
Because of this reduction, some families were able to buy rice and cook at home.
However, many people said income is still low, so spending remained careful.
Churches, neighbours, and community groups shared food and small gifts with widows, the elderly, and less privileged families. This helped reduce the burden on vulnerable people and strengthened community ties during the season.
Christmas in Eastern Nigeria this year was simple and modest. While insecurity and hardship remain major concerns, lower food prices brought some relief.
The celebration focused more on prayer, gratitude, and unity than on luxury, as many people continue to hope for lasting peace and economic stability.
Christmas Celebration in Jos, North-Central
Christmas 2025 was marked in Jos, the Plateau State capital, with calm and cautious celebrations as lingering insecurity, recurring attacks on communities and deepening economic hardship affected the usual festive cheer associated with the season.
Across the city, churches still held Christmas Day services, but attendance was noticeably lower than in previous years.
Many worshippers described the mood as solemn rather than celebratory, with prayers for peace, justice and healing dominating sermons.
Church ministers used the occasion to remember victims of repeated attacks on Christian communities in Plateau and neighbouring states.
Security Presence
Security presence was heavy around major churches, motor parks and commercial centres. Armed police officers, soldiers and operatives of other security agencies were stationed at strategic points, while patrol vehicles were seen conducting regular checks.
Although the visible deployment reassured some residents, others said it served as a stark reminder of the fragile security situation under which the season was observed.
Home Celebrations
Commercial activities associated with Christmas were also reduced. Popular relaxation spots, event centres and restaurants recorded lower patronage, particularly in the evenings, as many residents avoided late outings over safety concerns.
Many families opted for quiet celebrations at home, while others travelled out of the city earlier than usual to spend the holiday in perceived safer locations.
Transport Costs and Food Prices
Economic hardship further shaped the character of this year’s festivities. The rising cost of food items, transportation and basic necessities made many households significantly cut back on spending.
Traders at major markets such as Terminus, Farin Gada and Bukuru reported slow sales, noting that buyers were more interested in essentials than luxury food items traditionally associated with Christmas.
Read also: A Christmas message delivered by Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardaunan Sokoto) in 1959
Compared to Christmas 2024, turnout at public events was markedly lower. Concerts, street carnivals and community parties that usually draw large crowds were either scaled down or cancelled entirely.
Residents said the joy of the season had been overshadowed by grief and uncertainty. “We thank God for life, but the happiness is not there,” said a civil servant in Jos North.
“Too many people have been killed in villages around us, and many families cannot even afford a decent Christmas meal.”
Despite the sombre atmosphere, some residents said the true meaning of Christmas — hope, resilience and faith — remained intact. Churches organised modest charity outreaches, distributing food items to widows, displaced persons and the less privileged, reinforcing a spirit of solidarity amid hardship.
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