What We Regret Most This Christmas-Nigerians

For many, Christmas season is a time to round off the year and set new goals. But more importantly, it is also a time to set aside the troubles of the year and unwind.

We all know that this time Christmas seems different as 2020 has been plagued by the coronavirus pandemic which has altered how we live and do business. 

We already see that Christmas celebrations would take a different shape this year as everyone is staying safe from COVID-19. 

We asked THE WHISTLERS readers to tell us the things they regretted most this Christmas season, and four things stand out- covid-19, insecurity, economic hardship and lack of carnivals.

Covid-19 has restricted us

Akosu Samuel said life has changed due to the pandemic and people are not finding it funny.

“Its usually a season of celebration, but that is minimized or cut off because of covid – 19 and it is a big miss.”

Mr. Wilson Essien said this Christmas will definitely not be like every other one in terms of the celebrations known with it.

 “The covid-19 also came about with its restrictions too in the country and this will greatly affect the way and manner Christians will enjoy the festive season.

“Happiness, love, peace, joy and unity have been the foundation of every festive season like this but it is lacking in so many people’s lives as seen and witnessed by what have been happening in and around Nigeria.”

Sylva Emmanuel said “Am gonna miss my freedom this Christmas because we are facing another Covid-19 spike and a possible lockdown.

“Usually I would take a drive across the city to celebrate the Christmas with friends but that ain’t gonna happen now and it hurts.”

Insecurity has taken over the road

Miss Rita who lives in Adamawa regrets  that she would not be able to go to her village in Borno State due to the incessant kidnaping that is very high in the north.

“I can’t travel home for Christmas due to insecurity in our country. Boko Haram has taken over the road, everyday kidnap and killing,” she said, adding that  the terrorists now wear the uniform of the Nigerian Army.

Mr.  Pius lamented his frustration at his inability to travel with the children for the holidays or even take them an amusement park. 

” Not being able to take my kids out on Xmas day or travel with them and not think we could be kidnapped or run into armed robbers is devastating.”

Lack of Funds hampers celebration

A young entrepreneur, Peace Udem, spoke for others who suffer from the poor state of the economy. She said this Christmas is the worst she has had because “there is no money available to do any celebration. Even if there is, the uncertainty of the future makes you cautious.”

Carnival dream not coming through

For Kenneth Ojo and others, Christmas is a time for festivities and carnival, but this is year is different because they are not traveling.

 “Christmas has always been a season of merriment since my childhood. The most exciting thing about this period for me is when we had to travel from the city back to the village and experience the masquerade festival and annual event held where culture is exhibited from different tribes in Nigeria. 

“But that is not possible this year and I will really miss it. Christmas certainly does not look like it used to be,” he said.

Miss Susan James also feels bad that the year she “planned on going for the Calabar carnival is the year they cancelled it.”

“I made my plans already like I started planning since beginning of the year, how I was going to go for the carnival and also explore the state but that dream is not coming through and it’s really painful.”