A cross-section of Nigerians in Abuja on Monday has lamented the soaring prices of Christmas decorations as the festive season approaches.

They said the decorations had become unaffordable for the average income earner. Chinaza Okafor, a businesswoman, said the sale of Christmas decorations had been slow. According to her, Christmas trees, which were usually in high demand, have been shunned this season.

“A Christmas tree now costs N90,000, as against N40,000 in 2024. People are settling for tortoise-leaf potted plants, which cost ₦75,000,” she said.

Ms Okafor described the decline in the sale of Christmas decorations as saddening.

A hamper seller in Wuse market, Sule Abdulkareem, said the high cost of condiments such as corn flakes, custard, and beverages used in hampers had made them expensive.

“Our hampers range from N50,000, which is the cheapest, to N250,000 for the more expensive ones. We don’t make much profit on the hampers, although we have recorded some sales because people have come to buy for their families,” he said.

Similarly, another seller, Yusuf Mohammed, said he expected a decline in Christmas decoration purchases this year due to surging prices. According to him, big Christmas hats are being sold for N3,000, while the small caps go for N1,500.

“Christmas lights cost N4,000, while shiny decorations go for N1000 each,” he said.

Meanwhile, a customer, Bose Ayodele, said she came to buy caps for her children to wear for their Christmas party.

She said, “With the current price of Christmas decorations, I think I will just make them use the old ones. My children wanted me to get new caps for them, and that is why I am here.”

Another customer, Peter Nnaemeka, who came to purchase hampers for his colleagues, described the situation as worrisome.

According to him, their company buys hampers for its employees at the end of the year as rewards.

“A hamper which cost N18,000 last year costs about N50,000 this year. Everything has skyrocketed,” he said.

(NAN)