As December approaches, the energy in Nigeria shifts. The air feels festive, the streets are alive with lights and music, and conversations often center on the upcoming celebrations. But the buzz of the season comes with a price tag. “Detty December,” the colloquial term for December’s month-long festivities, can drain pockets faster than a Lagos traffic warden at a checkpoint. To keep the good times rolling without financial strain, many Nigerians turn to side gigs to fund their yuletide dreams.
Hampers: A Festive Classic
One of the most popular side hustles is selling hampers. These carefully curated baskets of goodies, from wine and chocolates to toiletries and snacks, are a staple of the season. Vendors often operate from their homes or open small pop-up stands in bustling areas. Social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp are crucial tools for advertising.
“I started my hamper business two years ago to make extra cash for my family’s Christmas,” says Amaka Eze, a civil servant in Abuja. “The demand is always high because everyone wants to give gifts that look thoughtful but are stress-free to prepare.”
The Fashion Hustle: Clothes and Shoes
The festive season doubles as a time for style. Nigerians love to showcase their best outfits, and this creates opportunities for entrepreneurs. Pop-up fashion sales, thrift markets, and Instagram stores boom in December.
“Last year, I made a killing selling ankara prints and ready-made outfits,” shares Tunde Bamidele, a tailor in Ibadan. “People don’t want to be caught repeating clothes at parties.”
Some take it further by importing trendy items from countries like Turkey or China, offering unique options that stand out in the saturated local market.
DJ and Event Hosting Gigs
With parties happening every other day in December, DJs and event hosts are in high demand. For many, what starts as a hobby becomes a lucrative side hustle during the holidays.
“I work a 9-to-5 as a banker, but I’m a DJ on weekends,” says Dayo ‘DJ Swavey’ Ajayi. “In December, I make enough from gigs to cover school fees for the new year. It’s a win-win.”
Similarly, MCs and hype men thrive during this period, hosting weddings, end-of-year parties, and concerts.
Food Vendors: Tasting the Season
Food is a central part of Detty December, and savvy Nigerians cash in on it. Small chops vendors, asun (spicy grilled goat meat) sellers, and caterers for large parties are often overwhelmed with orders.
“I take a month off my regular business to focus on making small chops during the holiday season,” says Kemi Oyelade, a caterer in Lagos. “The profit margin is too good to ignore.”
Digital Hustles: Leveraging Tech
In the digital space, Nigerians are also finding ways to monetize their skills. From graphic designers creating festive banners to social media managers handling holiday campaigns for brands, the internet offers a goldmine for tech-savvy individuals.
“I help people manage their event promotions online,” explains Blessing Umeh, a freelance digital marketer. “Everyone wants their party to trend, and that’s where I come in.”
Ride-Hailing and Logistics
The boom in transportation needs during December means higher earnings for ride-hailing drivers and logistics operators. With people moving around for parties, shopping, and family visits, drivers for platforms like Bolt and Uber see their earnings double, if not triple.
“I usually switch to full-time driving in December,” says Joseph Okafor, a ride-hailing driver. “The surge pricing during peak periods is worth it.”
Gift Items and Decorations
Selling Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments is another creative way to earn. These items bring festive cheer to homes, and vendors often import them in bulk to sell at a profit.
“I travel to Lagos Island markets to buy Christmas decor wholesale,” says Fatima Hassan, a student-turned-businesswoman. “People pay good money for these things.”
The Spirit of Hustle
Beyond the hustle and the profit, Detty December’s side gigs embody the Nigerian spirit of creativity and resilience. In a country where the cost of living keeps rising, finding innovative ways to earn while spreading festive cheer is a testament to the adaptability of Nigerians.
So, whether it’s selling hampers, dishing out small chops, or spinning the latest hits at events, Nigerians are proving once again that where there’s a will, there’s a way to make the season as “detty” as they desire. After all, isn’t that the true spirit of Christmas in Naija?
