The festive spirit is set to resonate across regions as public holidays for Christmas and Boxing Day approach, offering people the chance to embrace community, reflection, and gratitude. The federal government of Nigeria has announced Wednesday, December 25, and Thursday, December 26, as public holidays to celebrate these significant observances, along with Wednesday, January 1, 2025, earmarked for New Year festivities.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extending heartfelt greetings to Nigerians. He urged all citizens to take this festive period as an opportunity to reflect on the core values of love, peace, and unity. "The Christmas season is a good moment for both the spirit of reflection and national renewal. Let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences," Tunji-Ojo said, emphasizing the essence of the season.
Beyond Nigeria, these dates resonate with similar calls for community engagement. Businesses and grocery stores will primarily remain closed on December 25, reopening for the Boxing Day rush on December 26. Local city services, like curbside waste pickup, will see slight disruptions, with schedules pushed back by one day due to the holiday closure. For residents of Guelph, Ontario, Guelph Transit will have adjusted hours, with buses operating only on-demand on Christmas Day.
City administration offices, including city hall, will be closed on December 25 and 26, but will resume normal hours on Friday, December 27, reflecting the community’s observance of the holidays. Noteworthy, the Stone Road Mall will also remain closed on Christmas Day, reopening for shoppers on Boxing Day from 9 AM to 6 PM.
For food options during this festive time, Kirtida Kitchen at 245 Edinburgh Road South offers free meals to those in need on Christmas Day, demonstrating community spirit. The Mandarin restaurant will serve lunch and dinner buffets from December 24 to 26, highlighting how local establishments are contributing to the festive atmosphere. Despite the closures, some Tim Hortons locations and corner stores will still provide access to holiday treats, catering to those who may require last-minute essentials. While all LCBO stores remain closed on the 25th and 26th, local breweries and the Beer Store are expected to cater to demand with select hours on Boxing Day.
The message from Dr. Tunji-Ojo resonates universally as he encourages Nigerians to remain dedicated to fostering peace, unity, and progress within their communities. This call extends beyond holiday fare, urging citizens to use this time to strengthen interpersonal bonds and collectively envision the future, anchored firmly with hope. The observances serve as reminders of the importance of community, kindness, and generosity, inviting all to partake joyfully.
Residents are reminded to check local calendars for specific service changes as the holidays approach. Whether partaking in retail therapy on Boxing Day or gathering with family for festive meals, the essence of Christmas remains one of connection and celebration, framed by hope for the coming year.
With Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressing confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, he concludes by wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025. The upcoming holiday not only signifies personal celebrations but also presents the opportunity for communal reflection on shared values, all heralding the dawn of New Year celebrations.
