The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Christmas

  • When firecrackers blew Christmas away

    When firecrackers blew Christmas away

    IT was five minutes past nine on the morning of December 26, 2012, and expectedly the hangover of Christmas celebration still hung in the air. Being also a public holiday, many were actually still sleeping, while a good number just had or were about settling down for another sumptuous breakfast, in line with the mood of the day. Firecrackers aka ‘banger’, aka ‘knock-outs’ were also still blasting recklessly and reverberating across the nooks and crannies of Lagos city, courtesy of youths who would rather die than miss out on the pseudo-war opportunity the yuletide period annually presents. This was especially the case on Ojo Giwa/Okoya Streets in Jankara area of Lagos Island on this fateful day.

    A group of half-drunk and over-excited boys were passing by and as usual throwing bangers into the air to mark their passage, when one of the mini-explosives hit the roof of a three-storey building said to be a huge warehouse for loads of bangers and other mini-explosives. They probably didn’t know the house warehoused loads of banger or knew but never knew their action this time could change the situation of things in a matter of seconds and turn a day of celebration into one of pandemonium, death, sorrow and doom for several other people.

    But that exactly was what happened. Within a couple of minutes, a serene environment that only had a few people streaming in to open their shops for what was expected to be a day of low sales, literally became a war zone, as one of the bangers triggered off a torrent of explosions and follow-up explosions that was to last about four days, kill four (including a fourteen year-old school boy waiting to proceed to UK to join the Chelsea Football Academy), raze down eight four-storey buildings, burn down over ten cars and destroy goods worth billions of naira, including cash in different currencies. The explosion also defied the strength of the fire fighters of a whole city, as all effort could not arrest the triggering explosives. A particular businessman was said to have lost stacks of US dollars bills, which he had stored ‘safely’ in his shop, ostensible for convenience of use.

    According to Alhaji Kareem Arabambi, who sells bulbs and other electrical appliances in the vicinity of the explosion, the whole thing started rather unexpectedly from the building directly opposite his own stall, where the fire-crackers were being stored. Somehow, the importer of the fire-crackers and some of his staff had thought it wise to come in early to ventilate the warehouse/store in order to let out the heat, since they had only recently uploaded containers of the goods into the store. So they came around and opened the windows to allow in fresh air to cool the place.

    “But you know, it was the 26th of December and all the young boys around were in celebration mood and shooting banger and other firecrackers indiscriminately. Somehow, I think one of the bangers found its way into the store and before we knew it, there was explosion everywhere, as one explosion ignited the other, leading to a war-like situation. The pandemonium was such that no-one knew where to run to. It was like a siege onto ourselves. The fact that many of us traders had also arrived made matters worse, as this also led to several cars numbering about 12 being burnt. I think the fire raged for almost two weeks before the last fire simmered. In all, about 12 buildings, all four-storey buildings were burnt down. As you can see, some of the affected buildings have totally collapsed, while the others still standing are good only for demolition. Even my shed, which as you can see is directly opposite was affected. Indeed, it was a terrible day. The fact that the house was stocked with dynamite further enhanced the damage as each explosion shook the buildings to their foundations. Even King ado high School, right behind my shed was affected. If you look closely, you’ll see that the government is still carrying out some renovations. Even I abandoned my stall and all my three children who were around at the time all ran for dear life, and we only regrouped much later.”

    Speaking further, Arabambi disclosed that four lives were lost. Some, he said were trapped or caught-up in the staccato of the cracking fire, while some were trying to rescue some of their goods. “Across the road at the top of the building directly opposite the warehouse to the left was Murphy Hotel, which is now history.” Arabambi continued. “Even the hotelier himself lost his son, who was a student of King Ado High School.”

    Asked if this reporter could meet and speak with some of the victims who lived in the affected buildings or were directly affected, Arabambi explained that most of them have left the area, seeing that there was nothing to wait on. He however disclosed that most of the people now selling in make-shift sheds around the burnt down houses, were some of the affected shop-owners who are trying to pick their pieces.

    “These people,” he said, pointing “used to own shops and stores worth tens of millions of naira in the buildings.”

    At this point, one of the curious onlookers, who had been eavesdropping on this interview volunteered to take this reporter to the hotelier, Olawale Marouf Awosanya popularly known as Murphy.

     

    Agony of a man

    Murphy is a dark broad-shouldered towering man of over six feet. On this particular day, he was assisting in one of the make-shift tents erected by the side of the road to sell imported cooker, steamers and stuffs. That, he said, is what he has been reduced to. He now ekes a living, helping with sales by the tent and gets paid one thousand naira daily. He is still practically homeless and depends more on assistance from friends to carry out some of his major financial obligations. Yet this was a man who owned a hotel that occupied most of top floor of 43, Ojo Giwa Street, where he also lived with his family. For a man who lost a son and a whole business and family belongings, he seems quite like a man who has put the sad incident behind him, until he started talking. His pain, as it were, derived more from the fact that he saw the danger coming, and yet could not prevent it. And he felt, and still feels let down by a government that refused to stand up to its duties and a police force that was practically an accomplice in the situation that led to the fire explosion and his loss.

    Murphy admitted that he was aware that fire-crackers were being stored in one of the floors of number 45, Ojo Giwa Street. He was also aware that part of the floor, where his hotel was located, also housed some of these dangerous goods. As a matter of fact, he recalled how he was in the habit of voicing his fears on the dangers of the explosives, each time they were being offloaded into the warehouse.

    “The batch of fire-crackers that eventually went on fire was brought in on the 24th of December in three fully loaded containers. And I remember asking them if this thing would not pose any danger, because I already thought that three-trailer loads were too much for a residential and commercial area. Even one the attendants responded by assuring me that they were not dangerous and that they were all mild fire crackers.”

    He therefore concluded that his pain and anger stems from the fact that he saw the danger and yet couldn’t do anything. “The fact remains that we do not have the right to query our neighbours on what they are storing in their apartments or stores. We’ve all paid millions in rent and as such have exclusive rights to whatever we put in out apartments. So it is only the landlord that has the right to inquire about what you are storing in his building. And of course the Lagos State authority and the police. Now, whether the landlord knew about it or not, I do not know.”

    Asked why he didn’t lodge a complaint to the police, Murphy shook his head and laughed wryly. “The police were helpless. Are you talking of the same police that usually escorted the goods to the warehouse and even lend a hand during the offloading?” He queried. “And yet the gentleman who brought this calamity on us all is a mere young man of about 36!” He shook his head again.

     

    Death of a dream

    His son, Hameed Olasunkanmi Awosanya was a young boy of 13 with huge football talents. He was an SS2 student of King Ado High School, which was also partially affected by the explosion. According to Murphy, “The boy was a boy of promising future and a great footballer already. Just before the fire incident, he had already been granted a United Kingdom visa to enable him proceed to Chelsea football Club’s Youth Academy. It was Debo Aransiola, who got him the visa, in his effort to help groom his huge talent. We only prevailed on him to hold on and finish his SS2 before traveling. If only we knew what laid in wait for him in Nigeria!” He lamented.

    The whole incident, according to him, started at about five minutes past nine o’clock in the morning. He had only just retired indoors to take a rest, having woken up much earlier. Being a festival season, all his children, three of whom were undergraduates were all on holidays. Some boys were busy catching their fun downstairs, shooting fire-crackers and making as much noise as they could summon, which was not unusual for a Christmas period. Suddenly a fire-cracker crashed through one of his apartment’s windows, right into his room and exploded. Thinking that was unusual and probably the result of one of the over-exuberant boys, he made to gather himself up from the bed, only for another one to crash in, and another, and another. More fire-crackers crashed in and many more blasts reverberated everywhere and it suddenly dawned on him that something had gone wrong.

    Murphy recalled that he had always prepared his children for emergency situations such as this, warning them to always make for the exit, rather than attempt to rescue anything. “So the moment this started, they all rushed for the exits. In fact, I was the last to come out. But unfortunately, we lost one of them to the explosion.”

    The building had two exit staircases, with one opening directly opposite King Ado High School, while the other opened onto Ojo Giwa Street and directly opposite the house where the explosives were stored. Hameed obviously was hit by a barrage of these explosive and because everybody including the adults were all running for dear life, his little boy was left to die slowly in the mayhem.

    Even he didn’t have any inkling of the disaster that had befallen him, until the day after, at the General Hospital, where he was being treated for burns. Murphy had sustained multiple burns in the process of the explosion, with his right leg badly burnt. He only became suspicious when it was announced on the news that an hotelier and his son had been killed in the inferno.

     

    Complacency A

    In one of the make-shift sheds was also Fausat Azeez; she sells bulbs and also used to have a shop in the building where the explosions began. She also lost goods worth loads of money and is only now trying to find her feet. She wasn’t yet in the market on the day of the incident, but her children had already come ahead of her to open the shop. She recalled the sadness that enveloped her the moment she got news of the explosion. “I immediately became very sad, especially when I got here and saw the enormity of the destruction, with the fire still raging and the bangers still going off. Truth be told, it is a day I would like to forget.” She said.

    Did she see this incident coming?” We asked.

    But Fausat only smiled wryly. “Look,” she said resignedly, “I’m only a little girl; it is the elders who should have spoken up and taken action. Who am I? People lost goods and money worth billions! Even now, one year after, we haven’t got anything in terms of compensation or help. Not from the importer of the explosives, not from the government and not from the landlord. As for me, I leave everything to God.”

    As for Chukwuemeka Osuchukwu, who incidentally is the PRO of the Okoya/Ojo Giwa Traders Association, his major appeal is to his Excellency, the governor of Lagos State, to help them get back on their feet. As far as he is concerned, this journalistic mission is only a sad reminder of their huge loss, which they have been trying hard to forget and get over.

    “Individually, most of us lost goods worth millions of naira because we lost everything. Even the shops were worth millions in rent. The least shop around here goes for around N50,000, and you have to pay for up to six months, one year or more.”

    Chukwuemeka was relaxing in his apartment in Ajegunle area of Lagos, when he got the rude shock of a call from his friend that shattered his Christmas mood. He quickly headed for the market, only to find that everything was already beyond control. He recalled that the overall loss definitely ran into billions, since aside the building that were all three-storey, most of the traders had both packing shops (stores) upstairs and retail shops on the ground floors.

    “A lot of people also lost cash in local and hard currencies.” Chukwuemeka added.

     

    Unfulfilled promise

    Cletus Nnadiukwu is the chairman of the Okoya/Ojo Giwa Traders Association. According to some members of the market, he was a man of means with a thriving electronics business. But that was before the explosion. He is one of whom even Murphy, the hotelier, said his loss aside the death of his own son- cannot be compared to. As at the time of the incident, Nnadiukwu had just paid N3.5million for a six-year rent. He also disclosed that he lost about N13million in all.

    Overall, he said the losses of the affected traders and property owners would definitely be in billions of naira.

    Today, and sadly too, he makes do with a shed from whence he tries to rally his fallen business and get on with life.

    He is however not under any illusion that the government is owing him any kind of compensation. According to him, “They are not owing us anything. Neither did they enter into any contractual agreement with us.”

    His association is therefore only appealing to the Lagos State governor to fulfill the promise he made to the traders on the day of the incident last year, so that he and his colleagues can be able to get back on their feet.

    “The governor was here on that day, together with his commissioner for the Environment. The traders met with him and he promised on the spot to assist us. And we believe him; and that’s why we’re hoping.”

    He revealed that even LASEMA (The Lagos State Environment Management Agency) had been seconded to the area to enumerate the number of people and the level of damage.

    Nnadiukwu however denied knowing that the explosives were being stored in the buildings. “From our own investigation, it was only the landlord that knew because he was the one who let out the place to the importer. We also learnt that the importer, Mr. Semilore, is a relation of the landlord.”

     

    Insurance

    After that tragedy, the traders are now seriously considering insurance in case of future disasters. But up until now, none of them has entered into any kind of insurance, Nnadiukwu revealed.

    He explained that there is a way the traders including himself, think when it comes to issues of insurance. First they like to always have their fund at the ready, second, ignorance, and third, suspicion. “There is the belief that insurance people are only out to dupe people and that you only see them when it is time to collect your money; while they make things nearly impossible when it is time for them to pay back.”

    He agreed that the losses would have been greatly reduced if they all had insurance.

    “Most of us are beginning to have a rethink; but that will have to wait until our businesses pick up again. Maybe we’ll even make it a union thing.” He revealed.

    He concluded that last December 26 was one Boxing Day he will never forget.

    “The explosion caught us all unawares, consuming virtually everything within its range. Aside the hotelier over there who lost his son, we also lost a mallam (a house guard), who got up from his sleep a little too late and was ‘attacked’ by hundreds of flying firecrackers. A particular woman popularly known as Iya Koro also lost her 15-year old daughter. Even the hotelier spent two months in the hospital while another, Wasiu was in the hospital for three months.

  • Christmas without the false trimmings

    Christmas without the false trimmings

    The poverty of the rich is their wont to ignore the poor

    We come to the end of the year. Given their ritualistic bent, world leaders shall proclaim peace on earth and goodwill toward all men. Then, they will turn their backs on the words just uttered to continue the short-sighted governance that has caused the global political economy to plummet into the cavern of inequality.

    The holiday season has become one of plastic-wrapped, disposable virtue used once yearly then discarded in the effluvia of our consumptive and egregious times. The tree of modern Christmas is ornate and outwardly resplendent; for all of its finery, the thing is barren. It bears no fruit and is taken down too quickly to do any good other than serve as lovely but transient flash before the eye.

    We approach Christmas day but don’t approximate its spirit. The passage of days is inexorable; there are no plaudits earned for merely surviving from one season to the next. There is a choice in how we live and by what spirit and values society operates. Here we have failed ourselves for we have fallen face first, then to our knees, to worship before the temple of the minted god. In the indiscriminate quest for economic wealth and power, much has been gained but also something worthy has been lost. Christmas is a good time to ask what and why.

    Control of money is to hold power over things and people because money is convertible to almost everything else. Thus, it has a force beyond that of any merely physical object. Once money is used to buy a thing, the owner’s power is limited by the physical attributes and constraints of the thing purchased. Once one purchases a car, he must use that car according to the car’s physical properties. He can drive it ad infinitum but he dare not try to sail it or carve it and serve it to the family for dinner.

    As long as one has money, he can purchase anything amenable to purchase. He may buy the car, an airplane, a vast herd of goats or a lifetime supply of toothpicks. If possessed of enough money, one can purchase even things considered outside the realm of general and permissible commerce: He can purchase people and the power that control of people brings.

    Each dollar owned represents a possible acquisition or transaction. Each dollar thus constitutes another opportunity to bring some valuable part of the world into the ambit of the owner. The world becomes a bonded warehouse of opportunity for the heavily affluent. To have money is to own the measurement of economic value. To own the measure of value is to have the capacity to redefine value itself. To redefine value is to have true power. To have power is to be able to shape the world in ways that deflect adversity and uncertainty away from you by channeling them toward others. As such, the status of money is high above that of all other things man has or does.

    Because money has been the force to move all things and most people into the flow of commerce, it acquired a universality that makes it appear omnipotent and omnipresent. Consequently, those possessing great mounts of it are tempted to believe themselves to be the same.

    A god has been established to rival God himself. Money is unlike those lifeless deities carved of wood or graven of gold. Those deities can do nothing but dumbly sit there. However, money lubricates the processes of life and commerce. It is visible yet intangible. Most of all, it is man’s most infallible invention. Money never ceases to work. Individual currencies may fail and lose value, but the inherent utility of and our desire for money never abate. As man exists, does money also.

    Because of these properties, man has been tempted throughout the ages to treat money as his everyday god and to relegate God to the status of guest at special occasions.

    The biblical injunction that love of money is the root of evil was not the expression of an overabundance of caution. It warns of the deep pit into which men and nations may fall should the pursuit of lucre cause them to betray their finer senses and to cheat their souls. Over the centuries, man has periodically strayed from this wise counsel. Each time, the misconduct ended in molten calamity. Nations and societies have been destroyed or impair by the simple error of mistaking money, the presentation of value, for genuine value itself. After the deluge, man regroups to walk a more correct path for a time. Forgetting the lessons of the past, he slowly returns to the secular worship of money and the social wreckage it brings.

    Over the past several decades, the love of money has become the primary commandment of the global economy. An entire economic ideology has been constructed to legitimize the misbehavior. Rules and laws have been instituted to make what once was illegal or unethical business practices into the accepted conduct of our times. In most nations, usury laws prohibited moneylenders from sending unfortunate borrowers into debt peonage. Today, imposing usurious interest rates on the common and poor is considered sound business practice; it is an accepted way of high profit for major financial houses. Government no longer shields the poor from the avarice of the affluent. Government now stands as the eager accomplice in the fleecing of the meager and humble.

    As a consequence, the economy has shifted from one where the premium is on the production of things to one where the grand prize goes to those who make money to make more money.

    This leads to another problem. Unlike most tangible objects such as a car or a chicken, money has unlimited utility. No matter how acquisitive one is, at some point, a person has his fill of material things. There is a ceiling on how many things he will buy. He will not purchase another car, house, coat, shoe or pig until he depletes his existing inventory. However, the threshold for enough money is so high as to be nonexistent. Few people, even the exceedingly rich, ever say they have enough money. Fewer people will excuse themselves from the opportunity to reap a windfall, even at the unjust expense of another. Nations go to war off the hint of treasure. Brother slays brother over it. Those who have much exploit their advantaged position to hoard more. Those who have little must spend and depart with the scant morsel they have. They can neither save nor invest. As each day passes, the rich become more themselves as do the poor.

    Consequently, we reach the current situation where income and wealth inequality in many nations are more skewed now than in almost a century. The global news media tells you that euro zone economic activity is on the uptick. In terms of sheer economic statistics, this might be accurate technically. But whoever said facts don’t lie is wrong. In a complex world, facts are what the powerful shape them to be. Thus, the aggregate figures of positive growth mask a grim tale. Economic growth may be present, but it is of the variety that its benefits evade the majority of the people.

    Most of the growth falls into the soft, welcoming palms of established wealth. A great expanse of youth are jobless and without direction. Greece remains a dungeon of poverty. As the fortunes of the common person declines, suicides and sickness climb. Major cities in Spain and Italy are places of frequent mass demonstrations. These events don’t make the news because the rich and powerful don’t want you to see turmoil. There is an effective news embargo on the desperate protests of the sinking poor in these nations. Spain has gone a dangerous step further in conceal the rancor. The government is engineering laws that will make demonstrations and harsh public critique of government policy illegal, susceptible to steep fines and imprisonment. Welcome to the dictatorship of the wealthy.

    The same observation applies to the trajectory many African political economies. These nations tout high growth rates, but the reality behind these figures is dismal. The bulk of the populace remains mired in age-old poverty while a small elite zooms away in imported cars. This is not economic development. It is economic and social estrangement of the leadership from the people. It can’t but result in a foul end.

    It seems dear Karl Marx had a backward gaze into the crystal ball. The processes of capitalism have not led to his dictatorship of the proletariat. Instead, capitalism has yielded to a virulent species of itself, financialism. This financialization of the economy is producing a dictatorship of money that threatens democracy where it has been established. In African nations, where democracy is yet to give fruit, this distortion threatens to nip that happy process in the bud.

    To his partial credit, American President Obama gave a stirring speech earlier this month proclaiming economic inequality as the primary moral and political challenge of this generation. The man has come to the party rather late. That it took him five years in office to attain this basic understanding is baffling. Had he realized this before perhaps his now dwindling presidency would have been different.

    For too long, he has fraternized and made cozy with those who would bleed the life from democratic society by wrecking its economic underpinnings. He is now chained to these people. The best he can do is become a modern-day Samson who, upon recovering his senses, used the remnants of his strength to bring down the pillars upon himself and those who had enticed, then captured, him. Yet, he appears not to have the special courage to do such a selfless thing.

    His speech endorsed several measures to help the poor and narrow America’s inequality gap. One measure was to continue unemployment benefits for the jobless. Within ten days, he backtracked. Before people had time to forget his speech, he signaled approval of a budget proposal terminating jobless benefits for 1.3 million households this month. Such was his Christmas gift to the nation’s most needy. Sadly, his speech against inequality seems to be one of his notorious feigns. Whenever he says he will do something “for” the poor, be prepared that the real intent is to do something “to” the poor. His fine talk is to sugarcoat the bitter pill so people do not take to the streets of America as they now do in Spain, Italy and Greece.

    In a way, I feel sad for President Obama. Here is a man who has allowed an ounce of greatness to slip through his hands that he might hold fast to a pound of mediocrity. By tethering himself to the rich and powerful, he has written a place for himself that the collective memory will not remember as a fine one.

    God is generous but Fate is stingy. The numerous chances God provides, Fate tries to steal away. Fate always seeks to narrow our chances of greatness to one fleeting moment that once missed is forever gone. This is why we must always be cognizant of Fate’s devices and avoid abetting its attempt to defeat our better purpose.

    Since this is Christmas season, there is no better figure than Jesus to demonstrate how to treat this matter of economic inequality. The establishment tells us the entire profile of Jesus is encapsulated in how he silently took his punishment like a sheep led to the slaughter. Thus, the poor should stoically eat of their poverty for that is their fate.

    In reality, this was but a single episode in an extraordinary life of multiple dimensions. Christians believe his sacrifice was a divine mission to render humankind spiritual salvation. Since there was no alternative except to allow mankind to perish, the Prince of Peace decided he might as well shut up and get on with the heavenly but excruciating mission.

    Before the time for silent sacrifice came, Jesus did much that needs remembrance in the here and now. This man was born of a humble, uneducated family. Yet, he challenged the teachings of the establishment of his time. He so baffled and perplexed the learned ones that they conspired under cloak of darkness to kill him; he had exposed them for the ugly thing they had become.

    They decreed that man must do nothing on the Sabbath. To confound them, Jesus performed many miraculous healings on that day. He did this to demonstrate that the Scribes and Pharisees knew the form of propriety but lacked the substance and spirit of it. They were ghosts parading as living beings, followers of mean doctrine masquerading as moral leaders of the people.

    Jesus chastised them for turning the temple of God into a money-making machine, an olden-day ATM where the priests conspired with moneychangers to separate the poor from their hard-earned money. He did not countenance the disgrace or attempt to sidle up to those in power to partner with them in the gain and profit. He fought the powers of the day to ease the burden on the people. He chased malefactors and their malpractice from the temple that it might return to what is was erected to be.

    Jesus was the consummate radical reformer who cared little for the doctrine and ritual of the establishment. He dealt with the spirit of things and of people. This is the spirit we must now hold. To better the welfare of the poor and struggling, we must do more than sing carols, strain to purchase gifts and act happy during the Christmas season. We must ask fundamental questions such as what is the real purpose of society, governance and our economic patterns. Today, we are told to cheer as long as there is economic growth. This growth has been further distilled to one numerical measurement, GDP.

    We forget that the concept of GDP was devised as an indicator or measurement of economic health. It is but a map, a rough reflection. Today, the map has become more important than the real thing. If GDP is growing, we are told that all is well even when our lives say all is not.

    This deception is the work of modern-day secular Scribes and Pharisees who would place form over substance because it profits them. Their way produces vast riches and power for them but it is destitute of morality and meaning for the people.

    Today, let’s begin to give Jesus honor – not by making merriment – but by dedicating ourselves to the reforming spirit in which he lived. We need to redefine our economic processes away from this adoration of growth figures. Reliance on aggregate growth figures means you accede to the structure of things as they are. It means the bulk of the people will continue to increase in poverty and suffering while the smallest minority enjoys greater bounty. It is an unfairness that caters to evil.

    Let us begin the process of redefining how we gauge the economy so that we begin to talk about concepts such as economic health and fairness. Let us construct new measurements that balance and combine aggregate growth with a fairer distribution of wealth. The poor work too hard for the little they get and the wealthy work too little for the windfall they take. Let this mission be our special Christmas gift to ourselves. If we do this, the history we make will be a benign one, the lives we save will be many and, for those of us who believe in these things, we may just give the Primary Resident in heaven reason to smile and say, “Well done, my children! Well done!”

     

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  • Places to visit during Christmas

    Places to visit during Christmas

    The yuletide is with us once again; it is around the corner, just three days away. The world is in holiday mood. Many have been calling, asking for a place they can spend the yuletide holiday.

    There are some choice locations scattered all over the nation. The choice of location depends very much on the leisure seekers. Is it just a couple or family with children? Are they seeking for boisterous fun or solitude and a place to meditate? All these come into place.

    Experiencing Cross River

    The number one fun destination at this period is Calabar. It is for the simple reason that for the past one year, they have been preparing to receive people at this time of the year. It is better being in a place tailor-made for leisure. That is what the annual Calabar Festival is all about. It currently grinds towards its pick. That will be on December 27.

    For those truly in search of authentic holiday experience, Calabar has everything. One could, through Experiencing Cross River portal book an all-inclusive holiday that offers individuals, couples and families all- inclusive holiday to not only be part of the famous Calabar Carnival, but also visit fascinating destinations scattered all over the state with good and very competitive hotel rates.

    Outside the carnival, the Calabar waterfront with the amusement park, the Tinapa Resort, may confuse for choice of options. Outside the Cross River State capital, there are still Ikom Monolith, Obudu Ranch Resort and other places in the state that could be visited.

    Ikogosi Warm and Cold Spring Resort

    This unique nature’s profile has further been accentuated by building of resort. Before, the problem of recommending Ikogosi to tourists, both local and foreign, had been the issue of accommodation. The accommodation facilities had crumbled and were totally abandoned by the past administrations in Ekiti State. The current administration saw to its revamping. It is currently among the best in the side of the country. So, what a tourist gets is a cozy and standard accommodation within the alluring landscape. There are several things to do in Ikogosi: Enjoy bathing the warm and cold water, visit Arinta and explore the picturesque hills surrounding the landscape.

    Olumo Tourist Resort

    It is always a pleasure seeing the pristine Olumo Rock blinds with modernity. There is also the Yemoji Tourist Resort, Imagbon with its clean and refreshing natural pond.

    Osun State’s Olumirin Waterfalls in Erin- Ijesa is also there to captivate tourists.

    In Oyo State, Captain Bower’s Towers, Agodi Garden and University of Ibadan Botanical Gardens are there for leisure seekers. Although there are still some animals in the U.I Zoo, it has lost its appeal.

    Lagos, the city of acquatic splendour is always a delight to be in at this time. There are options of being on water, visiting isolated islands or the more popular ones like Takwa Bay. Even within the city centres, places like the Freedom Park offers quality leisure and chance to experience different creative groups performing. One does not need to travel a long distance for that.

    Further from the city, Ikegun community has La Campagne Tropicana. On the Badagry axis is Whispering Palms. These are seasoned resorts that like wine tend to be getting better with age. The Bar Beach front is still fun even though the water has been pushed back. But there a lot of fun in places like the Oniru, Alpha and other beaches. Near Alpha Beach is the NCF Conservation Centre. It is ideal for those who want to be in touch with nature.

    Abuja Amusement Park

    During festivities, Abuja is deserted. However, the city has many relaxation spots. Of course, the Millenium Park is always the number one for many. But one could also have some wonderful outdoor relaxation by Jabi dam facing the water. Further still, the Gurara Waterfalls and Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre are places to be visited.

    Abia

    In the East, there are so many eco-tourist sites to visit.Also,there are historical sites such as the War Museum in Umahia , the slave trade relics in Arochukwu, the Uturu carves and so on. For those interested in eco-tourism.

    Imo

    In Imo, although one could not vouch for the current state of facilities in Oguta Lake Resort, it offers beautiful environment for picnic and clean fun for the whole family.

    Nasarawa

    Farin Ruwa Waterfalls in Wamba, Nasarawa State is a place to visit, most especially in this dry season when the water level is low. But it might not be the best place because it is isolated from the town.

    Kano

    In Kano, the Bagauda Lake area would be a good experience . It would even be more exciting, if one could go on a cruise on the water. The views are surreal . It gives one the opprtunoty of seeing some rear species of birds.

  • Looking amazing this season

    Looking amazing this season

    CHRISTMAS is one of our favourite times of the year we always look forward to. We use to have holidays, spend time with our loved ones and the aura of the season makes our hearts blossom. Because it is our favourite time of the year, we always try our best to look amazing. To have that amazing look, here are some tips.

    1. A gorgeous dress: Whether the dress is long or short, make sure you look your best. Go for a dress that suits your body, dress impeccably and make them look forward to what you will be wearing next Xmas.

    2. Accessories: Accessories complement any outfit. An accessory can turn the most boring outfit into something classic and beautiful. You can wear a pearl necklace, an antique bracelet or a pair of gold earrings. Let your accessory complement your outfit and shine.

    3. Body top and jeans: You can wear a nice top and a pair of jeans, if you’re not in the mood for a dress. A little touch-up of accessories is allowed in this case. You will still look stunning with this simple outfit.

    4. Hair: Either you are carrying wavy hair, curly hair, pixie hair or straight hair, ensure that your hair is properly made and the styling should be neat. Don’t leave your hair rough and unkempt. A good hair styling does a lot to your appearance.

    5. Make-up: A good make-up can transform your look completely. This is the season of fun and festivities. Don’t be afraid to try something new, whether it is a smokey eye with a red lip or a nude natural look make-up. Make sure you look your best and don’t overplay with colour.

    6. Smile: It is inexpensive and it completes everything you are wearing. It makes you look bright and beautiful. Smiles can never go out of style and trend. They are the best thing one can ever wear.

  • Cozy ideas to make couples have a merry and romantic Christmas

    It’s Christmas again and apart from thanking God for making us see another yuletide season, we should sped the long holiday snoozing, smudging and setting some magical milestones. Waoh! Check out these tried-and-true tips from experts, celebrities and happy couples from around the world. You would be glad you did!

    •Hit the road: “Right after a family party, my husband and I head for the beach, where we and six other couples have tents reserved for the whole weekend. Part of the time it’s just me and my hubby of 27 years, but a lot of the time we spend with the crew – playing games, telling stories and having a blast. By the time I go back to work on Monday, I am rejuvenated and ready to get in the Christmas spirit.” Patti Beecroft.

    •Focus on food: “We’re planning our Christmas around my husband’s roasting goat in his charcoal smoker, with friends and family on hand to sample his handiwork.” Tamilore.

    •Express thanks: “On that special day, thank each other for the gifts (material and nonmaterial) you have given each other over the past year.” –Dr. Patti Britton, iVillage’s Sex Coach.

    •Dance by candlelight: “I’ll be staying home and celebrating with my husband and children this holiday and in the New Year. We’ll pop some popcorn and watch a family movie, and then, when the kids go to bed, we’ll put on some music and dance by candlelight.” Aisha Hamisu.

    •Dream: “Give yourself a gift as a couple. Take five minutes each to tell each other your dreams, hopes and desires. Then do a third round, making up some fun and wonderful new dreams to do as a couple. Then schedule some of them. –Marcia Wieder, America’s Dream Coach and author of Making Your Dream Come True

    •Strip down: “My husband and I are moving just a few days before Christmas, which definitely puts a damper on any plans for big parties with lots of friends. But we both decided that will be fine. It’s our first New Year’s Eve as a married couple, and I can’t think of any better way to ring in the new year than with a plate of shrimp, a glass of champagne and my sweetheart in his boxers.” Kristy Alonge.

    •Change the celebration date: “In order to enable our adult children to spend time with their spouses’ families, we let them go to their in-laws’ on Thanksgiving, and then we celebrate as a family a week later. Meanwhile, my husband and I take a mini vacation to some faraway place – time alone we really enjoy. Works great!” Alhaja Zainab OgoOlorun.

    •Get a baby-sitter: “My mother is watching my baby boy for three days so that my boyfriend and I can spend a little time alone. We’re going to Obudu Cattle Ranch for this coming chirtmas and New Year. There is nothing more romantic than standing at the top of Obudu and looking at the cable cars as they move slowly to and fro. Peju Aborisade.

    •Steal away: “If you and your partner will be attending lots of parties, create a subtle signal and use it mid-party when you want to steal a few minutes of time for just the two of you. Duck into the kitchen or a quiet corner and … connect.” –Sherry Amatenstein, iVillage’s Dating Doyenne

    •Pretend you’re in Hollywood: “I’m going to enjoy a formal, private, candlelit dinner at home with my fiancé, then have a champagne toast in the bathtub at midnight.” –iVillager Jeannie

    •Make your house more romantic: “Go away to a bed and breakfast or turn your home into one — make your environment cozy, homey and romantic with candles, potpourri, breakfast in bed and so on.” –Robin Gorman Newman, author of How to Meet a Mensch in New York.

    •Unplug: “My plan for a pleasant New Year’s Eve with my honey is to build a fire in the fireplace, open a bottle of wine, enjoy homemade food, disconnect the telephone and turn off the pagers and cell phones.” Liz Mensa.

    •Fall in love again: “Approach each day during the holidays as if it’s the first day of your relationship. Many times we take our partners for granted; we forget to pay attention to our partner’s thoughts, ideas and moves. If you look at your partner the way you did when you first fell in love, it will keep the relationship fresh and alive, and will also create more interest.” –Susan Taylor, Ph.D., author of Sexual Radiance: A 21-Day Program of Breathwork, Nutrition and Exercise for Vitality and Sensuality

    •Have sex: “Sex is a wonderful way to reduce stress and build togetherness. But don’t force it; making sex a ‘have to’ will only increase your stress level.” –Dr. Patti Britton, iVillage’s Sex Coach.

    •Overcome obstacles: “My husband is the security chief of a shopping mall, so he has to work on New Year’s. I am planning to put on my best dress, pack a picnic dinner and spend the night with him and his staff.” –iVillager cocacolagal.

    •Be grateful: “My husband and I are just coming to the end of a very difficult phase in our relationship. I think the best thing we can do this holiday season is to surround ourselves with the people we love the most and be grateful that it’s a new year.” Jody Allen.

    •Shop for sexy stuff: “Fill each other’s stockings with sex-related gifts, such as IOUs for sexual favors. You can even buy books filled with them.” –Dr. Patti Britton, iVillage’s Sex Coach.

    •Keep it simple: “My husband and I like screaming, ‘Happy New Year!’ in our pajamas, and then being able to quickly go to bed.” –Mary Daniyan.

    •Throw a family fete: “The best holiday party we ever had was when we invited over a few couples with kids the same ages as ours, rented movies, played card and board games, ate pork roast, hot dogs, sauerkraut and dumplings and drank sparkling cider. Everyone slept over, and the next morning, we all had breakfast together. Everyone pitched in. It was like a big slumber party.” Shelley Okon.

    •Enjoy nature: “My boyfriend and I are big nature lovers. The best thing we’ll do this holiday season is to get bundled up and go for a long walk in the night. The harmattan breeze is more romantic than most people have cared to discover. It’s just perfect to make you cuddle each other. Sefiya Dantata.

    •Celebrate early: “Open a few of your smaller presents to each other a day or two before Christmas — it can really help to put you in the holiday spirit.” Mrs. Ambi Owanbe.

    • Grab and kiss your guy: “As long as I am with the man I love over the holidays, whatever we do will be all right, so I grab him at every opportunity and give him sweet kisses.” Tinu Ayegbayo.

    •Decorate a deux: “To celebrate Christmas, my significant other and I go to any of those big stores and buy decorations, play Christmas music, drink whatever is cool by us and snuggle by the light of the tree. It’s a great feeling.” Jennifer Falode.

    •Skip the gifts: “Holidays are for loving, not gifts. They’re about spending time with the ones you love.” Gloria Ssilas-Anuobe.

    •Be a secret Santa: “Every year, I send my husband anonymous presents in the mail. He’s pretty sure it’s me, but he’s never caught me in the act and until he does, it’s my little secret. It totally cracks me up!” Ngozi Anozie.

    •Give yourself: “As often as I can around Christmas, I set time aside to go and just be with someone I love. Sometimes it’s to help them with a chore, but just as often I spend the time totally focused on them, with no goal in mind. It’s astonishing the feeling of closeness this brings.” Amaka N.

    •Skip overspending: “I have found that my best New Year’s Eve celebrations have been staying home with my honey and keeping my money.” Rita Bassey.

    •Kill two birds with one stone: “My husband and I are combining a family reunion in Florida with a well-deserved and much-needed vacation.” –iVillager Jane.

    •Toast each other: “Once all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking and running around is done, I can’t wait to sit back in my own home with my husband and toast us.” –iVillager Leslie.

    •Keep it light: “The holidays can be pretty stressful, so I do everything I can to make things fun for my boyfriend – tickle him, say silly things, basically find the humor in every situation.” Jane Mark-Adu.

  • Travelling this Xmas?

    Travelling this Xmas?

    Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, offers tips on how to travel safe and with ease this Christmas.

    ARE are scared of the stress of traveling long distances to your villages and choice tourists centres in the country this Christmas? Are you scared of the bad and lonely roads and of security, amidst stories of incredible highway robberies and kidnappings?

    Do not be worried for increased awareness of the fears entertained by Nigerians at home and abroad seems to have geared up security operatives and private transport owners to prepare specially for this Christmas travelings.

    Our investigation during the week confirmed that most would-be travelers this Christmas are expressing concern not only about alleged state of insecurity and the bad state of the roads but most particularly about slow pace of development in the transport sector, which, according to Miss Bridget Uzoma has left long distance transportation in the country still very stressful.

    Miss Uzoma said on Thursday that she dare not contemplate traveling to her village in the eastern part of the country by road this Christmas. “I would have preferred traveling by road since I know it would be cheaper, especially because my luggage would be a little huge, but I am not sure of the security. So, I have already booked my flight,” she said.

    She is not alone. Mr. Nkem Udochukwu, who lives in the United States of America, told The Nation on telephone this week that he almost changed his initial plans of traveling home to Nigeria this Christmas because of stories he heard and read and because he was not sure of getting “safe transportation from Lagos to Mbaise.”

    “Yes, I want to travel home to Nigeria this Christmas, but I am just scared because of the reports we hear about kidnappings. I am from Mbaise in Imo State and is anxious to attend my cousin’s wedding this December. I was too scared until a week ago, when I learnt from a friend here in Texas that the rate of kidnapping at home is no longer as we have been made to believe. So, I will come. I have made arrangements to arrive Lagos on the 22nd December. But I am still lost on how to get a safe and convenient transportation from Lagos to Mbaise at the heat of Christmas festivities,” Udochukwu said.

     

    Tips on safe and comfortable land transportation this Christmas

    The fears expressed by most would-be travelers notwistanding, it is common knowledge that road transportation in Nigeria has come a long way since independence in 1960.

    In fact, since the early 1970s, when pioneers in luxury long distance transportation in Nigeria, like Augustine Ilodibe of Ekene Dili Chukwu fame, Ben Ubajiaka of Izu Chukwu fame and others blazed the trail to make long distance land transportation more luxurious and convenient, operators have continued to seek new ways of ensuring the safety and comfort of travelers. It is on record that by 1974, when Ekene Dili Chukwu was formally incorporated, it had about 50 buses. It grew very rapidly, especially when it introduced modern facilities like passenger terminals. So at its peak, the company reportedly had over 1000 vehicles in about 60 stations across Nigeria.

    This achievement, according to some observers, has been matched or surpassed by newer and more aggressive transport companies in the country, including older ones like Chisco Transport Limited founded by Chidi Anyaegbu, P. N. Emerah, whose company, P. N. Emerah Transport Limited, has for long dominated northern routes and ofcourse, Frank Nneji’s Associated Bus Company (ABC) Transport Company Limited, whose modern approach to transport management across the West African coast seems to be leading the way for younger entrants exploring ways of easing land transportation in Nigeria.

    Today, even with smaller buses and luxury vehicles, like space wagons, new operators are employing innovative management strategies to make road transportation more attractive.

    To take advantage of the growing trends and enjoy safe and comfortable land travel this Christmas, would-be travelers should among other precautions take note of these tips:

     

    * Book for seats ahead of time:

    As is applicable in air travel in Nigeria, major transport companies in Nigeria today offer services that allow a would-be traveler to book for his seat days before the traveling date. During Christmas, one of the major problems to expect is crowd management, especially in the eastern route as most Igbos and their neighbours in the old Eastern Nigeria use Christmas period as the time of annual family and community reunion. As a result, community festivities and most family festivities, including weddings, are scheduled to hold during Christmas when everybody is expected to visit home. To avoid the rush, book for your seat and for that of the other members of the family you will be traveling with.

     

    *Hire a very comfortable vehicle for your family alone:

    If you have a large family and would like to travel exclusively and make use of the rented vehicle at home all through Christmas, this service could be provided by most of the established companies at a very considerate price. Do you know that comfortable family vehicles like Toyota Sienna and even SUV vehicles are currently being offered for rent. You can take advantage of these.

     

    * If your luggage is more than average, and if they are fragile items, you can save yourself the stress and the risk by making use of the haulage and courier services now being provided by most of the established companies. So, you can travel light and allow the transport companies to bring home your luggages.

     

    *You can get a good lodging accommodation in the city very close to your village. If you are one of the would- be travelers afraid of arriving your village late in the night after the long distance journey, you can book for comfortable and safe accommodation at your destination terminal. Most of the established transport companies now have good and safe lodging facilities at their passenger terminals. The prices, we learnt, are far cheaper than conventional hotels.

    * If you are traveling with your vehicle, ensure you did full service. Ensure your tyres are good, if possible brand new! Also, maintain 100 km or at most 120 km. At that speed, espeially if you set out early, you can conveniently travel from Abuja, Kaduna or Lagos to Aba, Owerri, and any other part of eastern Nigeria.

     

    * Travel cash light: Banking facilities like ATM can be relied upon to travel cash light. This will reduce fear of high way robberies.

    As you take these tips, it would certainly be fun to travel by road this Christmas.

  • Things to do on Christmas day

    Things to do on Christmas day

    Would you like to make this Christmas a special one, then these are some activities you can indulge in to make the holiday one filled with pleasant memories writes Hannah Ojo.

    CHRISTMAS does not happen twice in a year, so imagine turning your Christmas day into a memorable experience that you will remember with endearment. How a Christmas day should look like depends on individual preferences. It is advisable that other than watching to see the day take its course, Christmas could be more fun and memorable when planned. Below are things you can do to indulge in this special period.

     

    Picnics

    Picnic usually turn out to be a pleasant experience when planned adequately and well attended by close friends and family members. You can decide to spend the Christmas in the midst of your friends and family while enjoying well prepared meals and assorted drinks to go along. Games and other fun activities are part of the ways to make a picnic splendid and memorable. You can chose location such as beachs, amusement parks, cinema houses and recreational centres as your picnic venues. It is an optimal way to relax and enjoy the thrills of the season.

     

    Sight-seeing

    Want to capture some mental pictures and scenes to thrill your mind, then take a walk to places of significant appeal. There is no better time to connect with the pleasant contemplation of sight-seeing than on Christmas day. You can try out exhibitions, historic sights, cruise rides, or just take a work along your neigbourbood. Other than sitting and just watching the day roll by, embarking on this option sure promises an adventurous delight. One could go sight-seeing in the company of friends or alone.

     

    Host friends and family

    If you have a fat pocket and the required space, inviting your friends and neighbors to dinning with you isn’t such a bad option of how to spend your Christmas day. Some individuals are even known to host their staffs, associations and groups to a splendid Christmas outing in their homes with foods and assorted drinks being in great supply. It is like a mini party with music playing in the background .The beautiful thing about this option is that you don’t only create a Christmas experience for yourself but for your invitees as well if the party is well organized.

     

    Lend a hand

    Other than eating or hanging out with friends, some find it fulfilling spending their Christmas in homes for the less privileged where they can hang out with children or vulnerable old people. If you cannot afford to present a gift to them, you can make it up by volunteering to do some chores in the home as a way of volunteering. Lending a hand on Christmas day is a proper step towards fulfilling the proper essence of Christmas which is sharing love and sacrificing for the happiness of others.

     

    Hang out with friends and family

    Christmas day is a holiday so you can seize the opportunity to hang out with close friends or visit relatives whom you haven’t seen in a long time. With this, you have the chance of personally handing your gift to them while also connecting with people you have seen in a long while. Ensure to have fun together and share pleasant memories and even take time out to visit other places.

     

    Cook a special recipe

    To make your Christmas a memorable one, you could take time out to cook a good meal or try a new recipe that you just learnt. The beauty of trying to cook a special meal during Christmas is because your mind is relaxed since it is a holiday; you are in a cheerful mood which forebodes less chances of making mistakes. You can also share this recipe.

     

    Share memories

    Okay. Accepted that you don’t feel like going out and all you want to do is stay indoors and cool off, but you shouldn’t let it go just like that, you could use the chance to sit your family round the table and just talk, talk, talk, talk,. You could share your life experience with those around you or listen to people talk about how they have spent the year and their expectations for the coming year.

     

    There are always one thousand things to do on Christmas but whatever option you chose, ensure that you are not spending the day in solitude. Take conscious effort to have fun and make the day count.

  • Make them happy

    Make them happy

    WITH Christmas coming, no doubt you are thinking on what to buy for loved ones and friends. Here are some gift ideas you should be putting into consideration, and will be perfect gifts ever.

    Sunshade, especially for the dry season, will be a perfect one for whosoever you are buying it for.

    Fashion accessories: Make-ups, shoes, bags, dresses and jewellery.

    Nighties: Night wear is most appreciated by ladies, especially the sexy and colourful ones.

    Fragrance: There are different types of fragrance like Gucci, Bulvgari, Venacer, Active Men and Women.

    You might have your own gift ideas to add up, and believe me, all these gift ideas will surely help you in getting the best gifts for your spouses and loved ones.

  • Create a captivating atmosphere

    Create a captivating atmosphere

    IN a few days it would be Christmas and you could feel the celebration in the air. Interestingly, Christmas décor is something that captures a captivating atmosphere. From images of Santa Claus, Christmas bells, twinkling lights and Teddies, the list of accessories is almost endless. If you have lots of money then you can allow an interior decorator to take care of the details without stress.

    Alternatively, you can do it your own way and save the cost. Doing it your way can be exciting once you understand the effect you want to achieve. First you have to understand where the major emphasis should be and play down on the other details stylish.

    Décor for Christmas should therefore take your interiors and exteriors into consideration. The big question now would be how you can achieve a classic and unique celebration.

    Sometimes, all your visitor needs is a first impression and you can decide to get them mesmerized from your doorsteps. Here you can settle for nature-inspired front door trimmings that would usher your guests for a special entry that’s as stylish as it is hospitable.

    You can also accent a bright white door with the deep colors of an evergreen wreath and garland. Wondering how you can achieve this effect? A decorative wreath and other adornments are the perfect welcome sights for guests to admire.

    Here you can tie on extra-wide red ribbons to complete the Christmas look and add graphic punch. In addition, you can add twinkling lights which add a soft glow at night and allow the door and decor to be seen from the street.

    Next you need to think of the size of your living room to know the décor that would be appropriate. If you have lots of space to play with then you can opt for a giant Christmas tree in bright colours like red, blue, white or green depending on your color scheme.

    Once you have Chosen the perfect tree, you can add festive decorations that match or contrast with the colour of the tree. This grand Fraser fir tree, with a subtle holly-and-bells theme, naturally makes a classic Christmas statement.

    The rooms, corridors and other parts of the house also need to be attended to creatively. Yards of textured burlap, vintage-style accessories, and a natural color palette can give the room a stylish organic feel.

    If you want to have a dramatic outdoor effect, then you can make your Christmas tree natural and decorate the garden in bright red and green. In addition, you can make use of table and chair covers with ribbons and accessories in Christmas colours.

  • Gifts to give this season

    Gifts to give this season

    APART from being a time to enjoy the bliss of the yuletide, the Christmas season also provides an ample opportunity to appreciate people who are not only dear to us, but have also contributed to our progress during the year. Thus, Christmas is a season to give and reach out. The Greek playwright, Euripides wrote that gifts persuade even the gods, so do not rule out the effect of exchanging gifts and presents with family, friends and colleagues at this jolly holiday period.

    To ensure that the gift fits the purpose that it is designed for, discretionary measures should be taken to safeguard that your gift does not communicate something else since the manner of giving could be worth more than the gift itself.

    The nature of the gift you present to some people also matters too. Imagine a young female worker presenting a pair of briefs and boxers to an older male boss. That sure would be an awkward offering. To save you the agony of having your gifts misinterpreted, here is a list of items fitting the personality of the receiver.

     

    Corporate gifts

    Gifts are given within and outside corporate organization in order to appreciate collaboration and business partnerships. It could be within, as management presents gifts to staffs and as well be an exchange from one corporation to another. Corporate gifts could be hampers containing household items, customized cards, branded t-shirts and stationary as well as souvenirs. Perishable items given out at this season include rice, groundnut oils, noodles, canned foods and assorted drinks.

     

    Lovers’ gifts

    It is not valentine so cakes, candies and bouquet should not top the list of your gifts option. Consider exchanging items such as perfumes, jewelries, wrist watches, clothing, hand-made cards with love filled messages between you both. Also put into consideration each other’s favourite things and allergies. Other gifts to consider include between lovers include tickets to exotic holiday spots, dinner or launch for two, concerts and shows.

     

    Teenagers

    Teenagers are impressionable set of people so ensure that your choice of a gift for them is in tune with the times. If you want to present clothing, ensure they are trendy, chic and colourful. This rule also applies to foot wears, ensure that they are fashionable and cool. A pair of fashionable slippers, nice earring or box-bag would catch the fancy of a female teenager. For the boys, consider getting items such as video games; knap sacks, jean trousers, shirts, caps and trainers.

     

    Co-workers and colleagues

    An average worker spends nothing less than six hours a day at work so you definitely will not be over burdening yourself if you include your fellow workers as part those deserving of your gesture. Your boss, mentors and even junior workers should be included in your list too. You would not need a fat budget to do this as these options should ordinarily not tear your pocket. Gifts to give, consider cards, assorted drinks such as wines or juice. You can also package small hampers and souvenirs as well.

     

    The less privileged

    If you understand the concept of Christmas well, then you will know that spreading your tentacle of gifts list to the less privileged is an option that should not be sacrificed on the altar of pleasure. Think of the concept of Individual Social Responsibility (ISR), there is no better time than this season. A visit to an orphanage, prison yards, old peoples home, Cheshire homes, rehab centres and other places housing people of special needs is an optimal means of giving and sharing love at Christmas. Items such as diapers, children clothing, beverages, toys, mosquito nets, stationary, food items, edibles, toiletries, cash and a host of other needful would go a long way in not just putting a smile on their faces but also fulfilling a necessary obligation.

     

    Parents and children

    Parents deserve presents too even if they don’t ask. In appreciation of their love and guidance over the years, Christmas should be one of the periods to make them feel special. Present them with arrays of traditional attires that you have noticed they like to adorn. If you have parents who are still active on the social scene, then think of wrist watches, shoes and perfumes as well. You can also package hampers containing provisions needful for old people such as beverages, dietary food items, fruits and cash. For children, cloth and shoes are items that you can’t negotiate. To this you can add toys, games, colourings, fun-box containing play items as well as edibles.