YULITIDE
By SAMSONE EBIRERI
As Christmas approaches each year, Nigeria gradually takes on a different rhythm. The worries of daily survival, insecurity, and economic pressure momentarily give way to songs of joy, colourful lights, and renewed human connections. Across cities and rural communities, Christmas serves as a powerful reminder that beyond the differences of tribe, religion, and social status, Nigerians share common values of love, unity, and hope.
Nowhere is this spirit more visible than in Plateau State. Often described as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” the state experiences a remarkable transformation during the festive season. Major roads in Jos metropolis, including key roundabouts and public spaces, are adorned with dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. These displays turn ordinary streets into centres of attraction, drawing residents and visitors out in the evenings to admire the beauty, take photographs, and share moments of joy.
Plateau State’s Christmas celebration is deeply enriched by its cultural diversity. The state is home to numerous ethnic groups, including the Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, Tarok, Mwaghavul, Goemai, Ngas, Pyem, Ron, and many others. During the festive period, these communities proudly showcase their traditions through music, dance, attire, and local cuisine. Christmas becomes not only a religious celebration but also a cultural festival where diversity is celebrated rather than divided.
In many Plateau communities, traditional dances accompany Christmas events. Drummers beat local rhythms while dancers in colourful native attire perform at church grounds, village squares, and community gatherings. Songs are rendered in different local languages, blending Christian messages with indigenous expressions. These performances strengthen cultural identity while reinforcing a shared sense of belonging among the people.
Food also plays a significant and unifying role during the season. Families prepare traditional dishes unique to their cultures and share them with neighbours and visitors. From local soups and pounded meals to roasted meat and festive delicacies, Christmas tables reflect the rich culinary heritage of Plateau State. Sharing food across cultural lines becomes a simple yet powerful act of unity and hospitality.
Family reunions remain central to the celebration. People travel from across Nigeria and even abroad to return home for Christmas. In Plateau State, homes become gathering points where elders recount history, parents reconnect with relatives, and children learn about their roots. These reunions help preserve cultural values while strengthening family and communal bonds.
At the community level, Christmas fosters peaceful coexistence. In Plateau’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious environment, the season provides an opportunity for dialogue and interaction. Neighbours exchange goodwill messages, visit one another, and participate in communal celebrations. Even non-Christian residents often join in the festive atmosphere, reflecting mutual respect and shared humanity.
Churches play a significant role in sustaining the spirit of love and unity. Beyond worship services, many churches organise charity outreaches, visiting orphanages, hospitals, and internally displaced persons’ camps. These efforts cut across ethnic and cultural boundaries, reinforcing the message that compassion knows no tribe or language.
The economic impact of Christmas is also evident. The decorated streets of Jos attract tourists and visitors, boosting local businesses. Artisans, entertainers, photographers, traders, and transport operators benefit from increased activity. For many young people, the season offers temporary employment and a sense of inclusion in the wider celebration.
Children, dressed in festive clothes, add colour and excitement to the season. From nativity plays to school Christmas parties, their joy reflects innocence and hope. As families stroll through illuminated streets and public spaces, shared laughter and excitement strengthen social bonds and create lasting memories.
Despite rising costs of food and transportation, many households choose simplicity over extravagance. The emphasis remains on togetherness rather than material display. This resilience underscores a deeper understanding of Christmas as a season of love, sacrifice, and unity rather than excess.
As Christmas Day arrives, it delivers a message Nigeria deeply needs, peace. Plateau State’s festive beauty, shaped by its many tribes and cultures, stands as a symbol of harmony in diversity. It shows that unity is possible when people choose understanding over division.
Ultimately, Christmas offers a national lesson. That the love, unity, and cultural harmony witnessed across Nigeria, and especially in Plateau State, should extend beyond December. If these values are sustained throughout the year, they can strengthen national cohesion, promote peaceful coexistence, and guide the nation toward a more united and hopeful future.