Merry Christmas Our Dear Readers

 December in Abuja brings with it the harmattan breeze and the rush of shoppers navigating through Abuja markets. Some streets light up with strings of glittering decorations, and carol melodies waft from churches and homes alike. It’s the season of cheer, but for many in Nigeria’s capital, the Christmas wishlist extends beyond the usual trappings of merriment. It reflects the times we live in – shaped by economic challenges, social realities, and collective hopes.

For some, Christmas wishes center on the essentials: “All I want for Christmas is a stable power supply.” In a city where sometimes generators could hum louder than hymns, consistent electricity feels like a luxury. Imagine celebrating Christmas without the worry of power outages interrupting your favorite holiday movies or silencing the freezer stocked with perishable ingredients for that long-awaited family feast.

Then there are the parents. For them, it might sound like, “All I want for Christmas is the school fees for January.” With the cost of education steadily rising, the joy of the season is sometimes overshadowed by the looming pressure of next term’s bills. Yet, they soldier on, choosing to focus on the laughter of their children and the warmth of togetherness.

For many small business owners, particularly those in Wuye or Utako market, the refrain could be, “All I want for Christmas is better sales.” The festive period, though bustling, doesn’t always translate into profit margins that make up for the year’s struggles. Inflation and reduced purchasing power mean that even the most dedicated customers are cutting back.

And let’s not forget the young people of Abuja – ambitious, creative, and full of dreams. Their Christmas wish? “Opportunities.” Whether it’s a good-paying job, a breakthrough in their startup, or simply access to a reliable internet connection to fuel their hustle, the youth are yearning for platforms that enable them to thrive.

Amidst these practical desires, there’s also the intangible: peace, security, and a sense of community. “All I want for Christmas is a safer neighbourhood,” some might say, as stories of insecurity cast a shadow over the holiday cheer. The wish for a peaceful celebration resonates deeply, especially for families who have been affected by the year’s challenges.

Yet, despite the hurdles, Abuja’s spirit remains unbroken. In every corner, you’ll find resilience. Friends pooling resources to organize modest yet joyous parties. Churches and wellwishers extend charity drives to the less privileged. Abuja, like Nigeria at large, knows how to celebrate even in lean times.

So, as we reflect on what we want for Christmas this year, perhaps the greatest gift we can give each other is kindness. Kindness in the form of a shared meal, a paid-up transport fare for someone short of change, or even a simple “Merry Christmas” said with genuine warmth.

Because at the heart of it, Christmas is not just about what we get, but what we give. And if Abuja’s streets are anything to go by, there’s still plenty of love, hope, and generosity to go around. May your Christmas wishes, whatever they are, come true – and may your heart find joy, no matter the season’s challenges.