2024 has been a long year for singles in Nigeria, emphasis on loooong. If you’ve managed to survive the bombardment of wedding invitations, Instagram proposals, matching Ankara for your friends’ “intro,” and the endless WhatsApp DPs of baby bumps, congratulations. You deserve an award, preferably wrapped in foil, because let’s face it, e don choke. But alas, the holiday season is here, and if you thought you’d get a break, think again. Christmas in Nigeria is relationship people’s World Cup, singles, you’re just spectators.
So how do you survive this festive season without losing your mind? How do you cope while everyone around you is coupling up in matching pajamas and eating jollof rice from the same plate? Don’t worry, dear single pringle, here’s a survival guide to help you navigate Christmas 2024 with your sanity intact:
1. Stay Away from Social Media (Or Enter with Strong Chest)
Let’s start with the obvious, social media will be a war zone this Christmas. Your timeline will be flooded with couples flaunting their Christmas photo shoots, yes, the matching pajamas brigade is coming in full force. Then there’s the “My First Christmas as Mrs. So-and-So” captions, complete with soft-filtered pictures of them holding hands under the Christmas tree. If you can’t handle the emotional gymnastics, take a break from Instagram and Twitter. Better still, go on TikTok and watch funny skits. Avoid any hashtags involving #CoupleGoals. Protect your peace.
If you must scroll, prepare yourself. Drink water, put on your earphones, and blast Burna Boy or Odumodublvck. Look at the pictures, smile like a supportive friend, and keep it moving. Don’t let them steal your joy, or your data.
2. Focus on the Shege Survivors Club
This Christmas, lean on your fellow single warriors. Call your friends, those ones who’ve been through the trenches with you in 2024, whether it was heartbreak, situationships that didn’t situation, or ghosting episodes that left you questioning your self-worth. Plan your own mini-Christmas party, no love songs allowed. Play card games, watch action movies, eat food without the pressure of sharing it with a “bae,” and laugh about how relationship people are probably fighting over burnt rice somewhere. Single does not mean alone.
3. Plan a ‘Relationship-Free’ Christmas Agenda
The problem with Christmas in Nigeria is that every family event turns into a “So when are you getting married?” interrogation. Aunties and uncles will ask you with their plates of goat meat in one hand and judgment in the other. This year, flip the script. Politely excuse yourself from family gatherings where you’ll be the only single adult in the room. Instead, plan your Christmas doing things you genuinely enjoy,
Go for concerts (Asake will probably still be shutting down shows).
Visit tourist spots like Obudu Cattle Ranch or Tarkwa Bay.
Start that K-drama series or rewatch Game of Thrones, anything to keep you entertained.
4. Create Your Own ‘Pajama Trend’
Who says the pajama trend is reserved for couples and families? Gather your single squad, grab your softest loungewear, and have your own photo shoot. Decorate your living room, set up a Christmas tree (or fake it with a few twigs and lights, we won’t judge), and take pictures that scream “I am my own happiness.” Post them online with captions like, “Sipping zobo while you sip lies” or “Santa knows I’m too hot for heartbreak.” Flex your singlehood with pride.
5. Remind Yourself: Not All That Glitters is Gold
Lastly, remember that not everything on social media is as perfect as it seems. The couples smiling in their matching pajamas might have just argued over who forgot to turn off the gen. The husband posting “Best Christmas with my queen” might be secretly Googling divorce lawyers. And the ones with the viral engagement videos? They’re probably still paying off the decorator.
Being single at Christmas isn’t a curse, it’s a season to embrace yourself. Treat yourself to a gift, eat that entire plate of jollof rice without anyone judging your portion size, and enjoy the drama-free peace that comes with singlehood.
So, to all my single people in Nigeria, don’t let this festive season dim your shine. You’ve survived 2024, and trust me, that’s no small feat. Christmas may be worse for singles, but it can also be hilarious, stress-free, and filled with fun if you choose to make it so. After all, shege no fit win you! Cheers to a fabulous, single, and fulfilled Christmas.
