It’s 3 days to Christmas – and like we all know, Jesus is still the reason for the season. YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine’s GBENGA SHABA got 30 celebs to share their plans and what Xmas means to them with us. Enjoy…
Mercy Aigbe-Gentry (Actress)
What does Christmas mean to you?
To me, Christmas is a season of love. Love should be shown every time though. For me, Christmas is a time to spend with family, catch up and also to reflect on one’s life, especially when it comes to Christianity.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
All my Christmas have been memorable.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I always spend them with my family. From the 23rd to the 27th of December, I don’t work. At times we spend it in Lagos, at times we travel out of the country. But this year, we are spending it in the country. At times we go to my husband’s home town and it is always fun. This year, we will be in Lagos.
Lancelot Imasuen (Movie director)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas means a lot to me as a Christian. It marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. And it has become the most celebrated (event) worldwide.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I can’t really remember.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I intend to spend this Christmas with my family in love and peace.
Sylvya Oluchy (Actress)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas for me is a time to catch up with old friends and especially family. It’s a season for giving , and of course receiving too. It’s the one season that makes me return home and catch up with my family. Christmas is synonymous with family time.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I can’t really say. I’m sure this Christmas will be the best so far, as I intend to make it so.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I intend to spend this Christmas like most others before it; with my family and friends that I love.
Joshua Iniyezo, aka Solidstar (Singer)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is a day to celebrate Christ, it’s a happy day that we get to see our old friends, families and all.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
When I was still a kid. Those times that we had to trek to see families and friends. It’s always full of fun, unlike now that we move around in vehicles.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I should be in London and I know it would be fun because I have a show in London that very day.
Korede Bello (Singer)
What does Christmas mean to you?
It is a time for celebration, reflection and most importantly, it’s a time for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a period to take stock of all what we have done throughout the year.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I can’t really recollect one particular moment.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I will definitely be celebrating it with the Mavin’s family, so I’m looking forward to a wonderful celebration with other members of the band.
Samuel Oguachuba, aka Samklef (Music producer)
What does Christmas mean to you?
It’s about the birth of Jesus and it’s also about love.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
That has been a long time ago. I think then my father was still alive.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I will be spending it with my family, friends and other loved ones. This December is going to be my third wedding anniversary, so it’s going to be awesome.
Akinlami Babatunde Julius, aka MC Elenu (Comedian)
What does Christmas mean to you?
It means the day Jesus was born. A day to celebrate Christ, come together with our family and other people to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I can’t remember because I’ve always been working on Christmas days for the past 10 years.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I will also be working.
Kayode Salako (Activist)
What does Christmas mean to you?
To me, Christmas is the birth of the Saviour of the earth and mankind. Jesus Christ was born so that the world can be re-born, hence re-set the relationship of man and God aright. Christmas is a period when all children of God must reflect and appreciate the love of God for mankind. Because if He didn’t love us, he wouldn’t have sent His only son to come and die for our own redemption. God is love and Jesus is the custodian of that affection for mankind. Jesus is simply the reason for the season.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I have always had good Christmas celebrations, most times outside the country, with my family, in beautiful places. But the last one was the best. I had it in the warm heart, arms and care of my bosom wife, Foluke Daramola-Salako. It was a nice treat all through the period. It was very good, fulfilling and memorable; a bit of it in Lagos and more outside the state, with our kids.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I am still spending my Christmas in the warm hands, heart and care of the same woman, Foluke Daramola-Salako. She is the best part of me and the best I can always spend my Christmas with. We are spending it, this time, more in Lagos, around the happiness of our kids, family members and loved ones. We plan to host a few of our friends around the period in our home. And enjoy every bit of it while it lasts. So, we are staying around to celebrate it with people around us in Lagos. With nice locally-bred chicken; local guinea fowl (Awo Oko) and basmati rice meal. And thank God my wife is a fantastic cook. She is set to treat everybody to a nice Christmas celebration.
Foluke Daramola-Salako (Actress)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is a time of reflection and a time to thank God for the sustainability of our lives till this day, a time to be close to our loved ones.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I can’t say specifically, but I guess my best was when I had my first child, Ibunkunoluwa. It was exciting because I was seeing another part of me.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
This Christmas is going to be a quiet one. We might be going to a neighbouring resort because we just had my father-in -law’s burial. So, all we intend to do is be together and keep it quiet.
Chidi Uzoma, aka Baba De Baba (Comedian)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and it’s a period when I take the opportunity to merry with friends and families.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
My best Christmas was when I was a kid, because my parents would buy me clothes and take me out. But ever since I became an adult, I have not enjoyed Christmas because I work on Christmas days.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I will be spending my Christmas on stage.
Ojo Oladipupo Daniels and Ogunsina Ayodeji Samuel, aka Still Ringing (Comedians)
What does Christmas mean to you?
It is a celebration of the greatest love experience, which is underlined by the gift of the ransom – Jesus died for mankind.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
Every Christmas experience is better by the year as we grow to understand its implications and what the season represents.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
Rejoicing with the brethren, giving gifts to folks around us, etc.
Benedict O. Daniel, aka ACAPELLA (Comedian)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas for me is the most memorable day of human existence. Because it’s a day we celebrate the birth of a King that has come and yet He’s yet to come. It’s a day we celebrate one man that laid down his own life for all mankind to live! It’s a day we celebrate a man who lived and still lives! I don’t think there’s any day worth more to be celebrated than Christmas day.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
Christmas has always been sweet for me because my mum was born on Christmas day and so it’s always a big day to celebrate, but the best so far was when she turned 55, because on that same day, I got a call for my first show in Europe.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
Because of the nature of my job, it’s hard to predict how I will spend my Christmas day. It’s usually a routine of performing on one stage or another, helping people celebrate the day in a laughing and happy mood! But for this year, I will be travelling to perform in Ghana, so I will be celebrating it in Ghana.
Abiodun Olapade, aka MC ABBEY (Comedian)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas for me is all about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; not Santa Claus. And also appreciating the love of God towards humanity. For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son… Jesus is the reason for the season.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
Wow! That was in 2008 when I went to Transcorp, Abuja with my wife and my friend and his wife. It is my best Christmas still…
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
This year, I’ll be grooving with my family. It will be a family timeout all through.
Oby Edozieh-Alex O (Actress)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
My best was last year. Being with my hubby and son for Christmas was amazing.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I’m celebrating with my family.
Emmanuel Adigwe, aka D’Lectura (Comedian)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas for me means the celebration of the birth of our Lord and personal Saviour, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Most High God.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
All my Christmas celebrations have been wonderful. Don’t think I can specifically mention a particular one because they have all been fantastic right from childhood; though with different experiences.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I was actually planning to be with my family, but the plan changed because I have been booked for that day to MC an event and with that, my wife and my son will be visiting my mother-in-law.
Chinedu Ikedieze, aka Aki (Actor)
What does Christmas mean to you?
To me, Christmas is simply remembering the birth of Christ and by observing that, we come together as a family and celebrate the yuletide.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
Every Christmas has always been remarkable. No one in particular.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I will be celebrating this Christmas by travelling home to be with my family and friends and enjoy the season together.
Chibuzor Patrick, aka Buzopat (Motivational speaker)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is a time of love because Jesus is the reason for the season. It’s truly a time of sincere reunion of families and friends. Time to reach out and touch lives, visit less privileged homes and allow your love to have a voice.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
The best Christmas I ever had was in 2006 with my first child, because I had had several miscarriages prior to that time. I refused to stop working. I believed that a child that complements me and my multi tasking nature will come. So that Christmas was fantastic.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I intend to visit an island on vacation because I have agreed with my God that financial doors will open when I approach and all good things that I’m looking for will turn around and look for me.
Ebele De Flutist (Singer)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas means a lot to me. It means a special season when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It’s Jesus’ birthday.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I can’t really say which is the best Christmas so far because all my Christmas have been special. But, I’m sure this one will be the best for me.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I will be performing at different programmes and stages with my band.
Okeremute Iruvwe, aka De Don (Comedian)
What does Christmas mean to you?
It’s a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. Celebrate a successful year, and a time for multinational companies to pay me to anchor their events.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
Every Christmas has been nice for me.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I intend to spend my next Christmas in Port-Harcourt with Julius Agwu at his Crack Your Ribs show. So, Port-Harcourt get ready.
Ossy Cole (Record label owner)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas to me is a season of love and sharing. It’s a time to celebrate with loved ones and the less opportuned people in the society.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
Every Christmas is almost same to me. Always in a happy mood.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I intend to spend my next Christmas with my family in Lagos, visit exotic places and help as many people as I can and enjoy the season.
Bethel Njoku, aka Senator (Comedian)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is a Christian event that commemorates the birth of Christ. So, it’s a special time.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I really can’t remember the best Christmas I ever celebrated.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
Most times, I don’t really celebrate because of the nature of my job. But I try to be in the mood of the yuletide.
Kiki Omeili (Actress)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas to me means a time to show love. Love of self, love of family and love of people in general.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
The best Christmas I ever had was spent in the village, surrounded by family and we all just had a good time.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
This Christmas will be spent with my family and friends.
Vickie Roberts-Okere (Events Manager)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas to me is celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, a time to merry, play “catch up” with family members and friends.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I have always wanted to spend Christmas away from home. So, in 2005, my hubby brought out our travel tickets and said “how about flying out to Paris to spend the Christmas?” I was so happy, it was the best Christmas I ever had, because we also used the opportunity to renew our love/vow.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
This year’s Christmas, I will be on duty at the hospital, looking after my patients.
Prince Ifeanyi Dike (Actor)
What does Christmas mean to you?
It means that God has not forgotten us. His love for mankind is still paramount, because it’s a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, and He has given us a rare opportunity to renew our life and walk on the right path.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
The best Christmas for me was when I was a kid, when my mum and dad were there to provide for my needs. But the pressure is now on me to provide for others and if you can’t provide all they want, both family and friends that are looking up to you, as a natural giver, you tend to feel bad.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I will spend it with my family, attend some events and share and receive gifts; pray and thank God for all.
Tese Onokala (Entrepreneur)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Literally, Christmas represents the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. But for me, it is a time I unwind, reflect on my past, make amends and hope for a better year.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I can’t really say, but this year, I think, is going to be my best because I feel relaxed. I am not under any undue pressure. My mum turns 65 and also retires after 32 active service years in saving lives at the hospital as a civil servant. There is this excitement in my heart.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I hope to really relax and make the best use of my holiday. I really hardly have time to relax because of the nature of my job. So, at Needlekraft Couture, we wish all our customers a fantastic holiday as well.
Essence Okoro (Singer)
What does Christmas mean to you?
It means the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
I can’t really figure one out. All have been wonderful.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I won’t be travelling. There will be a family get together, but I may go during New Year.
Chris Okague (Model)
What does Christmas mean to you?
It means the time to start preparing for Christmas and New Year.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
It’s always a busy time for me. There is always one event or the other, but I always make time to be with the people that matter to me the most, which is my family.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I’m going to be with my family wherever they are. If they decide to spend it here in Lagos, that’s where I will be and if it is my hometown, I will be there too. Then, I’ll probably go for the Calabar carnival.
Alex Okoroji (Actress)
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas for me is a season to appreciate, celebrate and spend time with those I love. I’ll be celebrating with my family. I always do.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
Fortunately, both my parents share birthdays a few days to Christmas. My dad is December 22nd and my mom is December 24th, so it’s always a family celebration and we usually welcome the new year with a family cookout which we extend to friends, colleagues and close associates.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
I’m still going to be working on my blog and my radio show, the ABC Forum and the #4NL Movement. So, it’s going to be a working holiday for me. But I intend to sneak in a few high profile parties and events in the mix.
Aremu Afolayan (Actor)
What does Christmas mean to you?
It means celebrating at home with my friends and families.
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
Everyone was good; none was the best of it.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
Still the same old way; eating and going to meet friends at home and eat their food also.
Titilope Olusegun, aka Teetee (Singer)
What does Christmas mean to you?
My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. But, come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?
Tell us your most memorable Christmas.
The best Christmas always has been days I reach out to someone (a complete stranger) and make him/her smile.
Tell us your plan for this Christmas.
My Christmas, of course, would be spent like every other day. Be with friends, or at work, meditating or helping others.