A Christmas Feast in Nigeria
Christmas is a family affair in Nigeria, a big family affair
literarily. 'Family' encompasses more than the nuclear husband, wife and children. It may include parents and grand
parents, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, as well as
uncles and aunts, cousins and nieces, once twice or more
removed. How Christmas is celebrated depends on the wealth of
the family. One wealthy member can make the whole affair a memorable
one for the whole family. Each family celebrates according to its fortunes and available resources.
The mainstay of the Christmas meal in most households is
rice. a sauce or stew is also prepared. The meat usually
consists of cow, goat or fowl. a Nsusa or Ugba Salad may accompany,
followed by Pepper Soup or Gwongwo.
Most families can afford the slaughter of one or two fowl. Some may have the
resources to slaughter a whole goat for the occasion. a rare few may be able to kill a beef cow. Failing any of these,
people can go down to the local butcher and buy just enough meat for their needs. There is no cultural preference in the type of
meat used for the Christmas feast, even pork, lamb or fish can be used.
Everything you need for this dish can be found in your local
grocery store.
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