In my previous piece, I discussed how the zeal for the holiday season commonly dies out as everyone gets older. This is also seen in our attitudes towards Christmas fashion. When I was younger, the end of the year meant red Santa hats to wear to church on the Sunday nearest to the 25th and new items of clothing. It also meant red items of clothing in general since I detested the colour green. It felt really special to wear my ‘Christmas dress’ and show off to the people around me.
Now, I cannot tell you the last time I wore—or even saw— a Santa hat. Christmas fashion has evolved over the years, some people choose to wear red nail polish in an understated manner. One thing that has not changed is my need to still do ‘Christmas hair’ which makes the day even more special. There’s just something about doing your hair just before Christmas that gives you the ‘ginger’ you’re looking for. Telephone wire was one of my favourite styles growing up, to which I have replaced with the ever-steadfast ponytail.
Since red is undoubtedly an amazing colour, I never complain when people wear it, even blatantly as a nod to the on-going season. However, I pride myself on being a shameless hater of people who wear red on Valentines’ Day because this demographic is deserving of the shade. It is one thing to colour code during holiday season and another entirely to do so during the ‘month of love’. One major thing I enjoyed as a child and especially now; were the goofy parents who would wear Santa hats, gloves or even the beard just for the fun of it. As a person who did not have laidback parents (heck, my mother would not even come out to dance at party competitions) I really appreciate older people who do their best to keep the fun of celebrations alive since it is extremely easy to become jaded from navigating adulthood in general.
This year, I appreciate seeing Christmas fashion in the slightest of ways, like a tasteful red evening gown for dinner with the family on Christmas Eve. If I were to guess the location for the majority of these get-togethers, my first few would definitely be the most popular Chinese restaurants or buffets. Truth be told, there is nothing Nigerian old-heads love more than Chinese or select, tasteful buffets. After all, nothing says Christmas cheer like egg fried rice and beef sauce. For a lunch date with friends, a sexy option would be a more risqué outfit. For example, a short red skirt with a white blouse and a green ribbon in the hair for the sake of over-do would make the perfect ensemble.
Here is to hoping that no matter what each and every one of us chooses to do for Christmas, we all feel surrounded by loved ones, have lots of fun and bring in the rest of the year with as much grace and good vibes as we can muster. Aseee.
