AS A MAN, WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE GIVEN FLOWERS TO?, 5 MEN IN NIGERIA SPEAK

For a very long time, fresh flowers have been seen as a thing of beauty, love, appreciation and a thoughtful gift to give to anyone, be it romance, apology, to let someone know you are thinking of them. Fresh flowers are also used for home decoration and for all kinds of events.

 

Recently, in Nigeria we see people with fresh flowers almost everywhere, especially on social media where we see people buying flowers, receiving flowers, sending flowers e.t.c, this was not how it was many years back because for some reasons, we Nigerians believed flowers were for the westerners, while some only see them in movies or say they prefer other gifts to flowers But those days are gone. 

 

Fresh flowers are now widely appreciated among Nigerians for the beauty, the thought towards it, the feeling it brings, the memories and also the proven benefits of  flowers around us.

 

We recently spoke to 5 women in Nigeria on why they love flowers and the responses were amazing which led us to ask men how they feel about receiving flowers and if they would like it and why. This is how they replied.

 

HENRY 29, ABUJA

Yes of course, I would like to be given flowers to because I also want to feel what makes all these girls shout aww when they get flowers.(laughing) 

Every time a girl gets flowers, she’s genuinely happy and it’s so beautiful to see. We men deserve such happiness too. 

 

Late last year, a close female friend of mine at work received flowers at the office, they were yellow roses with a box of cupcakes 

Before the flowers arrived , she was telling me how mad she was at her husband because of what he did the night before and he had been trying to apologize.

So when the flowers came, she went from being moody  to happy and immediately  called her husband to resolve the issues. And I was like “so flowers are this powerful.

So, yes i would like to be given flowers to because i want to experience the power of flowers 

 

DENNIS 33, LAGOS

Definitely, I would like to be given flowers, why not

You see, Flowers are my thing and I know few people might see it as strange for a guy to like flowers, but I do. 

I love flowers because it warms the heart and that means the sender is thinking about you in a way that only flowers can express. 

 

I got to experience the joy of flowers from a very young age. Whenever my dad got flowers for my mum, I saw how happy it made her feel.

On my 20th birthday, my mum got me a bouquet of roses mixed with lilies and a million star and a bottle of wine. Roses and Lilies then became my favorite flowers, I remember how that made me feel.

From then on, the love of fresh flowers and plants started coming to me.  

 

Now, I will proudly say I am a plant dad (smiling)  and I love having  fresh liles in my parlor. 

The smell from the lilies helps me relax after the long busy day at work and we all know how Lagos traffic can be.

 

I think we need to start educating men in general to loosen up, they should allow themselves to be loved and be shown love in all ways possible and that things like flowers does not make one gay or less masculine.

Everyone including men should at least receive flowers even once in their life  because most people get their flowers when they are dead during their funeral, mostly men.

 

According to a songwriter Godw3in on his song NOW, he said that all the love and flowers you have to give me, give it to me now that I am alive to feel and see them and appreciate them. Not when i’m dead 

So please let me receive all my flowers now that i’m alive to smell and feel them 

 

PASCAL 3O, ABUJA

Yes we know flowers are beautiful and they are a thoughtful gift to give to someone but for me as a guy, I wouldn’t know what to do with the flowers. Because of this I will say no.

 

Flowers are expensive and I don’t like to waste something expensive or misuse it. Had it been I know what to do with flowers I wouldn’t have minded getting flowers as a gift. I just hate to waste things, especially expensive ones. 

 

I am only saying no because I wouldn’t know what to do with the flowers when I get them or how to care for them and things like that, but I will really appreciate the gesture.

 

LEONARD 35, ABUJA

With all of my heart, (laughing), 

Flowers are different from what we usually get and that will be something I will have in my memory till I die because that’s next level love right there.

I love to be spoiled with love too.(smiling).

 

We’ve been made to believe by society that flowers are for ladies only. I don’t think that should be so. 

For example, when a man and a woman die, people carry flowers to their graves, but when they are alive, just the lady is allowed to get flowers by the society. That is isnt right.

 

Why is it acceptable to give flowers to someone that is not alive to appreciate them, but it’s the reverse when the person is alive. It  doesn’t make any sense to me.

 

JASON 32, LAGOS

 

I do get flowers for all my girlfriends, my mum and sisters every occasion and I dare not miss sending them flowers if not i would be in a serious trouble

 

I see how that makes them feel, I love it, I love making them feel cherished and loved . They do deserve it actually, But what about me, 

 

I also want to experience the joy and happiness of receiving flowers too. I want to feel loved and pampered too

 

Being a man in lagos with all those toxic masculinity can be so stressful and we want to feel loved and cherished without asking 

 

So , I’d love to be given flowers too because life na 1 and I want to enjoy it to the fullest way possible

 

Now over to you guys, let us know in the comment section if you would love to be given flowers and why.

Waiting excitedly to see those comments.

 

Black woman covering her face with fresh flowers

What they told me when I sent them flowers – 5 Men in Nigeria Speak

Fresh flowers are known by all as gifts that help people express their feelings and unwavering love, and also make the recipients feel special, cherished, and happy, even just by looking at them.

Many years ago, in Nigeria and in most parts of Africa, we used to think of fresh flowers as a part of western culture that are only read about in books or seen in movies.

Read More
COUPLES WATCING MOVIE TOGETHER

10 Great Romantic Movies To Watch Together On Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re looking for the perfect way to spend a romantic evening with your significant other, to round off a day of Valentine flowers and gifts, a good movie can be just the thing. Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming romantic comedies or epic love stories, there’s a film out there for everyone.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best romantic movies to watch on Valentine’s Day. These films are sure to have you and your partner feeling the love, and are perfect for setting the mood for a cozy night in.

 

“The Notebook” 

This classic romantic drama tells the story of Noah and Allie, two young lovers whose relationship is tested by the challenges of war and class differences. With beautiful performances from Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, “The Notebook” is sure to have you and your partner reaching for the tissues.

 

“Love, Actually” 

 This beloved romantic comedy follows the lives of eight different couples as they navigate the ups and downs of love and relationships during the holiday season. With an all-star cast including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, and Keira Knightley, “Love, Actually” is a feel-good film that’s perfect for a Valentine’s Day movie night.

 

“Crazy, Stupid, Love.” 

 This hilarious romantic comedy follows the story of Cal, a middle-aged man who finds himself suddenly single after his wife asks for a divorce. With the help of his young, suave mentor Jacob (played by Ryan Gosling), Cal sets out to win his wife back and learn how to navigate the world of dating.

 

“Moonstruck” 

 This romantic comedy follows the story of Loretta, a practical Italian-American woman who falls for her fiancé’s charismatic younger brother. With charming performances from Cher and Nicholas Cage, “Moonstruck” is a heartwarming film that’s sure to put you and your partner in the mood for love.

 

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” 

 This unconventional love story follows the relationship of Joel and Clementine, two people who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories after a painful breakup. As the memories of their relationship are erased, Joel realizes how much he still loves Clementine and fights to keep her memories intact.

 

“La La Land” 

 This modern-day musical tells the love story of Mia and Sebastian, two aspiring artists trying to make it in Los Angeles. With stunning musical numbers and electrifying performances from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, “La La Land” is a must-see for any romantic movie fan.

 

“Casablanca” 

This classic love story set in WWII-era Morocco follows the relationship between Rick, a cynical American expatriate, and Ilsa, a beautiful and complicated woman who is torn between her love for Rick and her duty to her husband. With iconic performances from Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, “Casablanca” is a timeless love story that never goes out of style.

 

“Annie Hall” 

This romantic comedy-drama follows the tumultuous relationship between neurotic comedian Alvy Singer and the ditzy but lovable Annie Hall. With sharp wit and a relatable portrayal of modern love, “Annie Hall” is a must-see for any romantic movie fan.

 

“When Harry Met Sally” 

This classic romantic comedy follows the relationship between Harry and Sally, two friends who take a road trip together and end up falling in love. With clever dialogue and a heartwarming love story, “When Harry Met Sally” is a Valentine’s Day classic.

 

PS I Love You 

The romantic movie with some awesome musical scores stars Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank as Gerry and Holly respectively and has a mix of sad, funny, happy, and nostalgic moments. A beautiful love story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

 

Liked our list? What other romantic movies would you like to add? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

A BLACK LADY HOLDING FLOWERS TO COVER HER BREAST

Why do People Send Flowers to Ladies on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a holiday that is celebrated every year on February 14th. It is a day that is specifically dedicated to the celebration of love and affection between two or more people.

 While there are many different ways that people celebrate Valentine’s Day, one of the most popular traditions is the giving of flowers to the person that you love.

However, why do people send flowers to women on Valentine’s Day?  Well, it is a tradition that dates back centuries and has its roots in the ancient Roman holiday of Lupercalia. 

During this holiday, which was held in honour of the Roman god of fertility, men would draw the names of women from a jar and would then be paired with that woman for the duration of the holiday. As part of this tradition, men would often give their chosen women flowers as a symbol of their affection.

Over time, this tradition evolved and became more associated with Valentine’s Day. In the Middle Ages, it was common for people to exchange love letters and small gifts on Valentine’s Day, and flowers became a popular choice for these gifts. They were seen as a symbol of love and affection, and were often given to women as a sign of the giver’s feelings.

Today, the tradition of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day is still going strong. In fact, it is one of the busiest days of the year for florists, as people all over the world are buying flowers to give to their loved ones. And while the tradition of giving flowers to women on Valentine’s Day is still very much alive, it is no longer just a gesture that is reserved for men. Women can also give flowers to the men in their lives on Valentine’s Day, and many do.

There are many different reasons why people choose to give flowers on Valentine’s Day. For some, it is a way to express their love and affection for their partner in a romantic and thoughtful way. For others, it is simply a way to show appreciation and gratitude for the person that they love. Whatever the reason, there is no denying the fact that flowers are a beautiful and timeless way to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day.

But why are flowers such a popular choice for Valentine’s Day gifts? One reason is that they are simply beautiful. Whether they are a bouquet of red roses or a colorful arrangement of chrysanthemums, flowers have the ability to brighten up a room and bring joy to those who receive them. They also have a way of bringing people closer together, as they provide a way for people to connect and communicate through the language of flowers.

Another reason why flowers are a popular choice for Valentine’s Day gifts is that they are relatively easy to find and can be purchased in a variety of different forms. Whether you want to buy a bouquet of fresh flowers from a florist or order a potted plant online, there are many different options available to you. This makes it easy for people to find the perfect flowers for their loved ones, no matter what their preferences may be.

But perhaps the biggest reason why people send flowers to ladies on Valentine’s Day is that they are a timeless and traditional way to show love and affection. From the ancient Romans to modern-day romantics, people have been using flowers to express their feelings for centuries. And as long as there are people who are in love, there will always be a place for flowers on Valentine’s Day.

 

BLACK BOY WEARING A WHITE SHIRT AND HOLDINFG A ROSE IN HIS MOUTH

Here’s What Happened When 5 Ladies Sent Fresh Flowers Secretly To Their Male Friends

This recent Christmas we picked 5 female winners of the Secret Santa on our Instagram page, but there was a twist. The gifts were not to be sent to them, remember, ‘Secret Santa’, but to any male friend of their choosing in Lagos or Abuja, Nigeria.

The five men, going about their daily routines, each received an unexpected surprise: a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of Moet Champagne, and a box of chocolates.

We later spoke to the ladies and compiled the outcomes together with their reactions when we delivered them. Read On.

 

The first man, a young lawyer named Tunde, was ecstatic when he received the flowers. He had just finished a long and gruelling case at the courthouse and the bright, colourful petals were exactly what he needed to lift his spirits. “I can’t believe someone would go out of their way to do something so thoughtful for me,” Tunde said, smiling as he placed the bouquet of flowers on his desk.

 

The second man, a businessman named Hassan, was equally pleased when he received the fresh flowers. “I must admit, I was a bit sceptical at first,” he said. “But these are beautiful. It’s always nice to receive a thoughtful gift, especially when it’s unexpected.”

The third man, a university student named Chuka, was pleasantly surprised when he saw the bouquet of flowers, “I have no idea who could have sent these to me,” he said, as he grilled our delivery man repeatedly asking who it was from, examining the bouquet with a mix of curiosity and gratitude. “But I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I’ll just enjoy them and be grateful.”

 

The fourth man, a government worker named Bola, was a bit more reserved when he received the fresh flowers. “I’m not sure what to make of this,” he said, eyeing the bouquet warily. “I don’t have any romantic interests at the moment, so I’m not sure who could have sent these.” Despite his initial hesitation, Bola eventually came around and admitted that the flowers were a nice gesture.

 

The fifth man, a writer named Femi, was the most skeptical of all when he received the fresh flowers. “I’m flattered, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s some ulterior motive at play here,” he said, eyeing the bouquet with suspicion. “Who knows what kind of strings might be attached?” Despite his reservations, Femi eventually decided to accept the flowers and enjoy them for what they were: a kind and thoughtful gesture.

 

Each of the five men found themselves pondering the identity of the person who had sent them the flowers. Tunde wondered if it was a client thanking him for his hard work. Hassan speculated that it might be a business associate trying to curry favor. Chuka wondered if it was a secret admirer. Bola and Femi both considered the possibility that it was a prank, but eventually dismissed the thought.

We later reached out to the ladies, and it turned out three of the men correctly guessed it was from them and called them to say ‘Thank You’.

One of the other two men called us to ask who it was from after he had apparently thanked the wrong lady, oops! We couldn’t reveal her identity, but the lady later told him. 

As for the last man, he still doesn’t know who sent it, as the lady told us she has a huge crush on him but he doesn’t know and she wouldn’t want him to know that she sent him flowers and gifts.

That’s it. It was a whole lot of fun for us and we are already looking forward to doing another set of Secret Santa this Valentines’ Day.

 

CHIDI WEARING BROWN OPENING A BOX

10 Awesome Valentine’s Gifts Ideas for Him

 

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and while buying flowers, chocolates and a teddy for a lady is a no-brainer, it can be a bit tougher to come up with the perfect gift for a man, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

Here are some of the best Valentine gift ideas for him that are sure to put a smile on his face.

 

 

 

A nice watch

Watches are a timeless gift that will never go out of style. They are practical and can be worn every day, making them a great choice for your Valentine. Plus, there are so many styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits his personal style.

 

 

A personalized gift

Personalized gifts are always a hit because they show that you put thought and effort into the gift. Consider getting him a personalized watch, a monogrammed shirt or a custom-made piece of jewellery.

 

 

Something for his hobbies

If your guy is into a particular hobby, consider getting him something related to it. This could be a new golf club, a new fishing reel or a new bike. He’ll appreciate the thought and it will give him something to enjoy during his free time.

 

 

A romantic experience

Valentine’s Day is all about romance, so why not plan a special date or getaway for the two of you? This could be a weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast, tickets to a concert or a fancy dinner at a fancy restaurant. The possibilities are endless and it’s a gift that you can both enjoy together.

 

 

A gift for his home

If your guy is a homebody, consider getting him something for his home. This could be a new piece of furniture, a new appliance or even something as simple as new bedding. He’ll appreciate the thought and it will make his home feel more comfortable and welcoming.

 

 

A gift for his car

If your guy is a car enthusiast, consider getting him something for his ride. This could be a new car accessory, a gift card for a car wash or even a new set of tires. He’ll appreciate the thought and it will help him take care of his prized possession.

 

A gift for his work

If your guy is always on the go and spends a lot of time at work, consider getting him something to make his workday more enjoyable. This could be a new laptop bag, a new planner or even a gift card to his favorite coffee shop. He’ll appreciate the thought and it will help him stay organized and focused.

 

 

A gift for his health

If your guy is into fitness and wellness, consider getting him something to help him stay healthy and active. This could be a new gym membership, a new pair of running shoes or even a gift card to a healthy meal delivery service. He’ll appreciate the thought and it will help him take care of his body.

 

 

A gift for his entertainment

If your guy loves to kick back and relax, consider getting him something to help him unwind. This could be a new video game, a new book or even a subscription to his favorite streaming service. He’ll appreciate the thought and it will give him something to do during his downtime.

 

 

A gift for his style

If your guy is into fashion, consider getting him something to update his wardrobe. This could be a new shirt, a new pair of jeans or even a new pair of shoes. He’ll appreciate the thought and it will help him stay on trend.

 

No matter what you decide to get your guy for Valentine’s Day, the most important thing is that you show him how much you care. A little thought and effort go a long way, and he’s sure to feel loved and appreciated on this special day.

A GIRL HOLDING FLOWERS COVERING HER FACE

7 Things To Note When Buying Her a Valentine’s Day Gift

Valentine’s Day is a time to show your loved one how much you care, and choosing the perfect gift to go with flowers can be a daunting task. 

There are so many options available, from fresh flowers which are popular for valentine to chocolate and cupcakes, and it can be tough to decide on the perfect present.

 Here are seven things to consider when choosing a Valentine’s gift for her.

 

Her Interests And passions

The first thing to consider when choosing a Valentine’s gift for her is her interests and passions. Does she have a favorite hobby or anything you could get that would make her happy? 

For example, if she loves smelling good or loves good scents, you can get her a perfume or a scented candle. You can also get her flowers in her favorite colors. 

By getting her something related to her interests and passions, you’ll show that you’ve put thought into the gift and that you know her well.

 

Her personal style

Another important factor to consider is her personal style. Is she more of a minimalist or a maximalist? Does she prefer bold, statement pieces or more subtle, understated ones? 

Knowing her style will help you choose a gift that she’ll love and that fits her aesthetic. 

For example, if she’s a minimalist, a simple bouquet of flowers would be a great choice. If she’s more of a maximalist, a boxed arrangement of flowers with balloons and cakes or a box of chocolate would be a perfect fit.

 

Your budget

It’s wise to always have a budget when you want to get any gift for anyone, but remember that you are sending a valentine gift to someone you love and you want to show her how much you really do love her.

It is said that there is no price tag for love, so you are free to go all out when buying a valentine’s day gift for her.

You want to make an impression on her with your gift, get her something that will wow her and make her feel special.

 

 

Her preferences

It’s always a good idea to consider your partner’s preferences when choosing a gift. Does she have a particular type of flower or chocolate that she loves? Or Is there a specific type of jewelry or accessory that she’s been wanting? .

By taking her preferences into account, you’ll be able to choose a gift that she’ll really appreciate and that she’ll be able to use or enjoy.

 

The level of intimacy in your relationship

The level of intimacy in your relationship should also be considered when choosing a Valentine’s gift.

If you’re in a new relationship, it’s probably best to steer clear of overly intimate gifts like lingerie or sex toys. These types of gifts are more appropriate for couples who have been together for a longer period of time and have a deeper level of intimacy. 

Instead, opt for something sweet and thoughtful, like a bouquet of flowers with chocolates.

 

Your relationship history

Your relationship history is another important factor to consider when choosing a Valentine’s gift. If you’ve been together for a long time, you may want to choose something a little more special or sentimental to show your appreciation. This could be something like a custom piece of jewelry or a thoughtful handwritten note.

 If you’re in a new relationship, a more casual gift like a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers with different colors  would be a great choice.

 

The message you want to send

Finally, think about the message you want to send with your Valentine’s gift. Are you looking to express your love and appreciation for your partner, or are you trying to spice things up and add some romance to your relationship? Your gift should reflect the message you are trying to portray.

Feel free to add more things to note when buying her a valentine’s day gift in the comment section.

 

How did Valentine’s Day Start and Why Do People Give Valentine Flowers?

The history of giving Valentine’s flowers stretches back centuries, with the practice of expressing love and affection through the gift of flowers being a common theme throughout many different cultures and societies. From ancient Rome to modern-day America, the tradition of giving flowers to show love and appreciation has evolved and adapted over time, but it remains a beloved and enduring expression of affection.

The origins of the Valentine flower tradition can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the holiday of Valentine’s Day was first celebrated. The holiday, which was named after a Christian martyr, was originally a celebration of love and affection, and it was believed that the gift of flowers was a way to express these feelings. In Rome, the flower most commonly associated with Valentine’s Day was the rose, which was believed to symbolize love and passion.

As the holiday of Valentine’s Day spread throughout Europe, the tradition of giving flowers as a symbol of love and affection also spread. In the Middle Ages, it was common for people to give flowers to their loved ones on Valentine’s Day, with the most popular choices being roses, violets, and lilies. These flowers were believed to symbolize different aspects of love and affection, with roses representing passion, violets representing loyalty, and lilies representing purity.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the tradition of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day became even more popular, as people began to embrace the holiday as a way to express their love and affection for one another. In this time period, it was common for people to give bouquets of flowers as a gift, with red roses being the most popular choice. This trend continued throughout the 20th century, with red roses remaining the go-to choice for many people on Valentine’s Day.

Today, the tradition of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day is still going strong, with many people choosing to express their love and affection through the gift of flowers. In addition to red roses, other popular choices for Valentine’s Day flowers include lilies, tulips, and daisies. While these flowers may not have the same traditional symbolism as roses, they are still a popular choice for people looking to express their love and affection on this special holiday.

While the tradition of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day has evolved over the centuries, the reasons for giving flowers remain largely the same. Whether it’s to show love, appreciation, or simply to express one’s feelings, the gift of flowers is a timeless and enduring way to show affection and appreciation. 

Whether you choose a classic bouquet of red roses or something more unique and personal, the act of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day is a beautiful and meaningful way to show your loved one just how much they mean to you.

A LADY STANDING IN THE SNOW ON CHRISTMAS

HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas is that special time of the year when people worldwide celebrate with their loved ones by exchanging various gifts including sending flowers, sharing love around, being merry with one another, spending quality time with family and friends creating fun memories, and all those beautiful things you can think of doing with family and friends.

 

But have you ever wondered what Christmas is truly about, and how it came to be, including the stories surrounding whether it is the actual birth of Jesus Christ or the pagan festival for worshiping their sun god, or why it’s even being celebrated on the 25th of December and the main reasons for Christmas?

 

Then this is for you as we will discuss everything and the truth about Christmas.

 

WHY IS CHRISTMAS ON THE 25TH OF DECEMBER

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD CHRISTMAS

WHEN DID PEOPLE START CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS – PURPOSE AND ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS

EFFECT OF CHRISTMAS IN NIGERIA

WHY CHRISTMAS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT HOLIDAY S

 

WHY IS CHRISTMAS ON THE 25th of DECEMBER

Two holidays were actually celebrated by the Romans in December. The first was Saturnalia, this was a two-week festival celebrating their god of agriculture Saturn. Then on the 25th of December, they celebrated the birth of Mithra, their sun god. 

Both celebrations were of a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and were rowdy.

Also on December 25th, which is one of the darkest days of the year, the pagan cultures usually made bonfires and lit candles so there could be light and incorporated this tradition into their own celebrations.

As Christianity spread across Europe, the Christian clergy were not able to fully restrain or keep in check the pagan customs and celebrations.

Since no one knew Jesus’s actual date of birth, they adapted some of the pagan rituals into a celebration of his birthday and by doing so, also trying to curb pagan customs and celebrations.

 

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD CHRISTMAS

Christmas is gotten from the Middle English Christemasse and from Old English Cristes mæsse. It is a contraction meaning “Christ’s mass.” 

Christmas is sometimes called Xmas because the Roman letter “X” looks like the Greek letter Χ (chi), an abbreviation for Christ (Χριστός).

 

Christmas is observed on the 25th of December or the 7th of January in the Eastern Orthodox Churches and it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

 

In most Christian communities, Christmas is celebrated with great cheer, song, exchange of gifts, storytelling, and family gatherings. The popularity of Christmas is mainly because of the “spirit of Christmas,” a spirit of charity expressed through gift-giving and acts of kindness that celebrate the human heart of the Christian message.

 

WHEN DID PEOPLE START CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

Celebrating Christmas goes back as far as A.D. 273. Two pagan festivals celebrating the sun were also on that day and it is possible that December 25 was chosen to counteract the influence of paganism.

To this day some people feel uncomfortable with Christmas because they think it is somehow tainted by the pagan festivals held on that day. But Christians have long believed that the gospel not only transcends culture, it also transforms it.

 

 In A.D. 320 one theologian answered this criticism by noting, “We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of him who made it.”

 

There is no definite clue as to the actual day of birth of Jesus Christ. The New Testament stated that it happened in the days of Caesar Augustus and while Quirinius was governing Syria which is 44 BC to AD 14 according to Luke 2:1-2 in the Bible.

 

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS – PURPOSE AND ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS

For Christians, one of the main purposes why Christmas is celebrated is because of the birth of Jesus Christ and the reason is John 3:16 “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”  

Christmas is God’s gift to mankind God gave His only begotten son, Jesus Christ to die for mankind so that through His death man shall be saved from sin and its eternal consequence, which is Hell Fire. This is the real meaning of Christmas.

Even for the non-religious, it has also come to mean a time to appreciate and celebrate our friends, family and loved ones generally. 

This is the good news that Christians were given thousands of years ago, for all people, and still holds true up to this time, for everyone, Christian or not.

For me, the purpose of Christmas is not only to celebrate that God loves us and is with us, and for us, all the time, but also to appreciate the people in my life and share gifts with them. 

EFFECT OF CHRISTMAS IN NIGERIA

Some of the things people look out for at Christmas in Nigeria, especially in Lagos and Abuja are the beautiful decorations on the roads and streets, hanging out with family and friends, exchanging gifts, watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas songs, and attending carol services in the church, display of fireworks, and also for some (mostly Igbos) visiting the village to spend time with extended families they haven’t seen for months and to attend festivals like the popular Calabar festival.

 

Christmas in Nigeria is very unique because that is when most people experience genuine happiness and love through sharing of food and gifts.

 

I remember growing up as a child, there was this feeling about Christmas that always made me happy. The songs, rhymes, foods, fun, showcasing of new clothes, and a lot more were so thrilling to me then and even now. I also see it as an opportunity to stay away from studying and have fun with friends e.g. playing games, watching movies, sports, and a lot more. 

WHY IS CHRISTMAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS

Christmas is important because it is observed by billions of people around the world. and it is a time of love, happiness, merriment, exchanging of gifts, and spending quality time with family and friends 

For Christians, this holiday is significant because it celebrates God becoming a man in order to save mankind from its sin through the birth of Jesus Christ. 

As we celebrate this festive season, may we be filled with joy, hope, peace, and love not just for our family and friends, but for every person we meet throughout the coming year.  Let us all be kind and be a friend to one another.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

 

Red roses bouquet chocolates teddy bears and moet champagne

10 GREAT GIFT IDEAS TO SEND WITH FLOWERS

 

Sending flowers to friends and loved ones is no doubt one of the best and most relevant gifts, especially when it comes as a surprise, as flowers convey different emotions and can lift the receiver’s spirit and boost their mood

Getting a gift that goes well with the flowers is an even better way to go as it further enhances the outcome. While some gift items work well for all occasions, some gifts are better suited to some occasions than others depending on the occasion, for instance, you wouldn’t send a teddy bear with condolence flowers and so on.

Here are some of the gift items to pair with your flower arrangements with some suitable occasions for each also highlighted where relevant.

 

CHOCOLATE

WINE AND CHAMPAGNE

TEDDY BEAR

CAKE OR CUPCAKES

PERFUME

FOOD TRAY

SPA ESSENTIAL AND GIFT SET

BALLOPNS

CANDLES

JEWELRY

 

 

CHOCOLATE

What are flowers without chocolates? Flowers and chocolates are said to be the king of romantic gifts, flowers and chocolates can also pass for almost any occasion without sending the wrong signals, you can gift a colleague chocolate and flowers to congratulate them, it also goes well for birthdays, anniversaries, romance, and many other occasions.

 

WINE AND CHAMPAGNE

wine and champagne always make a classy gift to send along with flowers and chocolates and also works well for various occasions whether romantic or platonic. Proposal flowers, apology flowers, birthday flowers anniversaries, etc are some of the various occasions that do well with wine and champagne.

A caveat is that alcoholic wine and champagne should not be sent to recipients who do not take alcohol. Of course, there are also non-alcoholic wines that can be included instead.

 

TEDDY BEAR

 Stuffed animals are one of the most adorable gifts because of their calming effect, I mean who doesn’t love teddies, they can be given as a romantic gesture, get well soon present, and so on. 

Just like chocolates, teddy bears serve as a present for different occasions and the teddy bear is a gift that brings comfort to the receiver 

 

CAKE OR CUPCAKES

 this particular gift is almost a given on every occasion, be it a birthday, anniversary, baby shower, bridal shower, or wedding. Cakes are like a source of happiness because of their blend of sweetness and deliciousness, 

Just like we have different arrangements of flowers, every now and then people come up with new recipes and designs of cakes too. 

Gifting a loved one cakes or cupcakes with a beautiful flower arrangement, wine, balloon, and chocolate for a birthday or any occasion is a big yes anyday

 

PERFUME

 Everyone deserves to get perfume as it is a fantastic gift idea, perfumes also leave a long-lasting impression just like flowers, that’s why it’s a perfect combination to send as a romantic present, for a date proposal, and other romantic occasions

 

 FOOD TRAY

Food baskets are often a good choice too on some occasions. Food baskets are a good add-on for flowers as sending a food tray and a beautiful flower bouquet, with a romantic message to a loved one for birthdays or as a romantic gesture is bound to put a smile on their face.

  

SPA ESSENTIALS AND GIFT SET

Everybody likes to get a taste of the ‘soft life’, scented soaps, candles, and luxurious body lotions with flowers, just as the beautiful sight of flowers brings smiles to our faces, the fragrance from spa essentials, bath sets, and gift sets is enough to melt the stress and anxiety your loved one is going through.

 

BALLOONS

When you want the presentation of the flowers and gifts to pop, balloons are always a great way to go. There are different types of balloons and can be used for various purposes. 

Balloons are not only restricted to birthdays or anniversaries as they are perfect for most festive occasions, and in recent times, we also have letter balloons to spell out the occasion. Balloons and a box of red roses for a proposal are a trendy way to go; she is definitely going to say yes.

  

 

CANDLES

A scented candle, a bouquet of flowers, and a bottle of champagne. I bet you can already imagine the mood here. 

A romantic candlelit dinner with a soothing ambiance. 

A romantic indoor bath with petals on the floor and candles set up around the bathroom. 

A romantic dimly lit room with petals on the bed and scented candles around the room.

 That is what makes including scented candles a great addition, especially for romantic gestures. 

Since time immemorial scented candles this has worked, and will always be a great soothing addition to fresh flowers.

 

JEWELRY

 A beautiful arrangement of flowers paired with beautiful jewelry is definitely a swoon-worthy gift combo. Be it diamond earrings or a colorful flower-inspired necklace, there are many ways to match a brilliant bouquet to thoughtful pieces of jewelry.

After all, as they say, Diamonds are a woman’s best friend.

 

 

 

Flower bouquets paired with any of the suggested gifts are a great accompaniment for a lot of people, and always bring the finishing touch to the gifts. What gift ideas did we miss out?

 Kindly share with us in the comment section.