The first shock usually hits at the airport. You step out expecting fresh tropical air and soft Lagos breeze. What you get is heat, noise, one uncle calling you fine boy, and somebody dragging your luggage like they are helping you but not really helping you.
Welcome home. Lagos has missed you, but it will not show it gently.
TL,DR
- Detty December feels sweet and stressful at the same time.
- You will spend money faster than you planned.
- Enjoy the chaos, protect your sanity, and pace your vibes.
1. The Airport Wake Up Call
There is nothing like that first Lagos airport moment. You hear three conversations at once. Someone is arguing about bag weight. Someone is shouting your name even though you have not seen them in ten years.
It is chaotic, but in a weird way it reminds you that you are home. Lagos welcomes you with energy, not manners.
2. Your First Price Shock
You step outside, open your ride app, and the fare looks like a rent deposit.
Things feel expensive because they are expensive. Even people who live here are confused.
If you came with a strict budget, Lagos will try to test your resolve. Your best bet is to plan your movement and avoid emotional spending on your first week.
3. Family Love and Pressure at the Same Time
Nigerian families know how to mix love and stress in one plate.
One minute they are hugging you, giving you rice, and asking about life abroad. Next minute they are reminding you about one cousin’s school fees or begging you to follow them to visit someone you do not know.
You love them, but you also need boundaries. Fix visiting days. Fix resting days. You cannot be everybody’s returning champion.
4. The Lagos Roads Will Stretch Your Soul
Traffic does not care who you are. You can be fresh from Texas, London or Toronto. You can be wearing puffer jacket or new sneakers.
Lagos traffic will slow down your confidence a bit. The good part is you will hear gist in the bus, observe madness from a safe distance, and remember why Lagos content always trends.
Plan your outings early. If you want to make an event, leave your house like you are going to the airport.
5. The Vibes Are Stronger Than Your Willpower
Once the invitations start rolling in, you are finished.
People expect you to be outside because you are the returning friend. You came to rest, but they want you on the Island tonight and the Mainland tomorrow morning.
Pick your events carefully. One or two concerts. A party you actually enjoy. One proper owambe. A few chilled hangouts.
Lagos December is sweet, but it is even sweeter when you are not tired and broke.
6. The Currency Shock Is Real
You will convert everything in your head. You will ask yourself why shawarma is doing strong thing. You will rethink tipping. You will ask if you should buy clothes here or buy when you get back.
The truth is, things feel different because you have spent months using another price system. Give yourself one week. Your brain will adjust.
But still, hide your card. Lagos will tempt you.
7. You Will Feel Famous for No Reason
Something interesting happens when you come home after months abroad. Your friends treat you like a micro celebrity. People you barely talk to suddenly want to see you.
It feels nice at first. After one week you will crave quiet.
It is fine to say no. Pick the people you actually want to spend time with. December is too short to waste on people you do not like.
8. The Food Will Make You Emotional
There is nothing like eating real jollof, fresh suya, bole and fish, or Agege bread again.
One bite and you will forgive Lagos for everything.
Just remember that your stomach has been living a different life abroad. Start slow. Lagos food does not play.
9. Lagos Will Make You Feel Alive
For all the stress, Detty December in Lagos has a way of waking something up in you.
The music is louder. The laughter is freer. Even the chaos feels kind of familiar.
You remember why people say Lagos is stressful and sweet at the same time.
The Takeaway
If you are returning from abroad, Detty December in Lagos will hug you, shock you, drain you, and entertain you. Let it be what it is: loud, loving, frustrating, and unforgettable. Pace yourself, enjoy your people, and let the city remind you why home still feels like home even when it makes no sense.