Nigerians and ‘Holiday Packaging’: Why We Pretend We’re Enjoying December More Than We Are

December in Nigeria seems to force all of us into some form of holiday packaging, acting like we’re on a reality show, living our best lives even when reality is dragging us. Even the calmest, stay-at-home, “leave me alone” people suddenly feel pressured to appear as if their lives are bursting with concerts, flights, soft life, detty behavior, and a social calendar tighter than Lagos traffic on a Monday morning.

But let’s be honest: half the time, the only thing that’s truly “giving” is stress.

This is the month where we’re collectively broke, overwhelmed, tired, and still insisting we’re having the time of our lives. And if you listen closely, you can almost hear the country saying, “My dear, rest,” while we say, “Please, I must package.”

December in Nigeria has quietly become performance season — a hilarious, chaotic era where everyone is acting like their holiday is lit, even when their pockets, energy, and enthusiasm are running on fumes.

Why We Pretend So Much and How Holiday Packaging Shapes Our December Behavior

Part of it is cultural. Nigerians love vibes, and we love to look like we’re handling life with ease — even when life is dragging us like NEPA wire. December just adds extra pressure: year-end guilt, family expectations, social media flex, old classmates suddenly in town, and the general fear of looking like your year wasn’t “successful.”

Truth is, packaging is our unofficial national sport. And Detty December is the Olympics.

“In Nigeria, December is not for enjoyment — it’s for survival disguised as soft life.”

The Social Media Factor: Everybody Is Suddenly Balling

One person posts a bottle in a club and suddenly the whole timeline is “outside.” Nobody wants to be that one person posting food and Netflix while others are at concerts, parties, and random rooftops shouting “we outside!” even though they’re not sure which artist is performing.

It’s a December tradition at this point: — If you’re broke, still post a throwback.

— If you’re bored, still post a location tag.

— If you’re tired, still post a boomerang.

Because in this country, enjoyment is not an option — it’s a performance requirement.

“Detty December has turned us into thespians — acting like our pockets and energy are not crying.”

The Pressure from Home (and the Streets)

If you're an IJGB, they’re expecting you to scatter ground with enjoyment.

If you're a Lagosian, they assume you have a December plan.

If you're from anywhere else, well, Lagos is waiting for you with traffic and everything else.

Parents want you to be available.

Old friends want you to hang out.

Work wants to squeeze one more deadline out of you.

Meanwhile, your wallet is whispering, “No vex, manage me.”

But because everyone is pretending, you don’t want to be the one who admits your biggest December activity is washing rice.

The Reality: We’re Exhausted

December is the month when Nigerians finally confront how the year treated them, and sometimes the truth is not cute. But instead of resting, we dive headfirst into activities because silence will force us to think. And thinking? Hmm. That one is too much.

So, we perform enjoyment.

We curate moments.

We take strategic photos.

We laugh louder.

We dress nicer.

We say, “Outside!” even though we want to go home by 9 p.m. sharp.

So Why Do We Keep Doing It?

Because we want the story — even if we have to edit it.

Because December is the one time the whole country agrees to pretend everything is fine.

Because sometimes, the performance is the only enjoyment we can afford.

Packaging keeps the chaos at bay. It makes the year feel less heavy. It gives us small bragging rights, even if the brag is sponsored by loan apps or emotional fatigue.

If you see someone packaging this December, just smile and face your front — you don’t know what they are fighting. And if your own December isn’t giving, don’t stress. You’re not alone. Many people shouting “we outside” are actually inside, under the fan, calculating transport money.

Sometimes the real enjoyment is peace, rest, and small chops in your own living room.

Detty December is a vibe — but sometimes the vibe is simply survival with aesthetics.

If your December doesn’t “give,” you’re not alone — and you don’t need to package for anyone. For more sharp, honest takes like this, join our community here.