Thoughts on things to watch out for as you enjoy this holiday season
It’s December and we are all in “God, we thank you o” mode. Whether it has been your best year yet or your most challenging year ever, trust me on this, there is every reason to remain thankful. We all say “while there is life, there is hope” so we remain thankful and look for how to comfort ourselves and/ or celebrate. If there is anything the average Nigerian knows how to do, it is to look for the fun in everything. We are such boisterous and optimistic people, and nothing will take away our joy and happiness this season.
There are so many things to do in December and depending on the size of your wallet, your social circles, the amount of time you have, and whatever other considerations, you can experience as much of the season as you can spare resources for. When you put together your holiday “to-do” list, what do you consider? Do you just think about what to do and where to go? Are there other things you need to consider as you enjoy yourself in the last few weeks of the year?
Whether you plan to hit the town every night or go out once in a while, there are several things you need to keep top of mind depending on where you go and what you do.
Attending the Office Party
Many companies throw parties in December and these come in various forms depending on the organisation and the size of their party budget. There are small parties held in the office with catered food and music from the resident Gen Z’s Spotify playlist: only employees attend and they probably have to juggle work and partying. Then there are the mini-concerts featuring A-list musicians and celebrities that some large companies organise. I haven’t been to any (I am still waiting to be invited) but a friend of mine told me I have been dulling because people typically hustle for invites. The surprising thing is that most of the attendees may not even be employees!
Office parties can be really fun as everyone is relaxed. You may never get the chance to see your MD dance to “Buga” or the Head of HR sing karaoke off-key, so make sure you take a lot of pictures and videos. You can circulate them on the office WhatsApp group but not immediately, timeliness is key. Maybe you can exchange the pictures and videos for a promotion? Just kidding!
Aside from eating, drinking, and dancing, what else should you do at an office party? Make sure that you work the room and cosy up with your colleagues, especially the bosses. This would be the best time to have casual but meaningful conversations that leave a memorable impression. Don’t waste your few minutes by asking “how is the family?”, think about more useful conversations that show your interest in your company, your job, and the future of your career. And if you are not concerned about any of these, make sure you find a good spot by either the food or the music because what else are you there for?
Going to Concerts and Clubs
Most concerts and club events are packed to the rafters, especially when they are headlined by a popular performer. Many social butterflies don’t think about it though but ensuring personal comfort and safety is of the utmost importance. The first thing to note is how you dress. Ensure that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes so you don’t end up feeling uncomfortable throughout the event. What is the point of wearing stilettos when you could be standing for hours on end? Or wearing a thick jacket that would weigh you down or make you sweat?
Large crowds also equal multiple opportunities for fast-fingered people so wear clothes that don’t have too many unsecured pockets. If you have to carry a bag, make sure it’s not too big and not too small either. It has to be just the right size so you can carry it comfortably throughout the event while ensuring that you have a safe spot for your phone, camera, keys, wallet, and other important items. I recommend a crossbody bag, it does the work but you still have to maintain consciousness because some people are Houdinis in the making.
Do you also think about exit points at these venues? It is important to remember where all the available exits are located in case of “incasity”. If you need to leave at any point, you can make a beeline for the nearest exit. What happens if God forbid, there is a stampede? Do you know how to secure yourself? Do you have basic knowledge of first-aid?
If you plan to enjoy a night out, you must also make proper plans for transportation and/ or accommodation after the event. Don’t get stranded dozing off in that hotel lobby.
Watching a Stage Play at the Theatre
I love watching stage plays and December is theatre season as many theatre companies stage a variety of shows into the new year. There is just something about seeing a cast live on stage portraying various characters, knowing that they just have one take on their lines otherwise the production can be threatened. If you haven’t seen a stage production before, trust me, this is a great addition to your holiday plans. The most popular venues are the MUSON centre and Terra Kulture (hopefully the National Theatre is ready by next year so we can have a wider range of options).
The theatre is a good place to network with important people. Some would say that only upper-class people appreciate the theatre but that is not necessarily so. It takes a certain type of person to appreciate the work that goes into staging plays and you can meet other like-minded people there.
Attending a Festival
There are many shopping festivals this month, especially fashion and food events. I love attending the food ones because there is always so much on offer, from pastries to meal deals. Festivals are also a great opportunity to discover new food and drink brands, and you could also make new friends. Same security advice as concerts: keep an eagle eye over your belongings.
Going to the beach
The beach remains one of the most popular destinations this season. The sun is out and hopefully, the rains will no longer make an appearance. The cool breeze from the sea makes the heat more bearable. You can take long walks by the sea or let the sea water envelop your feet. Horse riding or swimming is available depending on the beach you go to. Be careful though, especially if you can’t swim. This is not the time to experiment and see if your village people are on holiday. Chances are that the lifeguards, if any, would be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people at the beach. Also, remain watchful as not everyone is out to relax. If you go as a group, watch out for your mates and ensure your personal belongings are secure.
Whatever you decide to do this holiday period, do have fun, show love and receive love, don’t worry too much because tomorrow will sort itself out. Remain watchful even as you have fun and create fantastic memories: this is the way I see things today.