The Christmas season is here again. It's a season of joy, music and spread of love. You can already feel it in the air - decorations everywhere, music, families prepping for the holiday and of course, food. But there is one thing that happens as the festive season approaches - everything becomes expensive. From rice to oil and chicken, everything suddenly costs double. In a time when the economy is tight and many families are struggling to make ends meet, preparing the usual "Christmas rice and chicken" can feel like an expensive tradition. But who says Christmas can't still taste good without rice? This year, let's think outside the pot. If rice is too expensive this year, don't worry. Here are other delicious foods you can make that are cheaper and still give you that Christmas joy.

1. JOLLOF SPAGHETTI

Who says jollof must only be with rice? Jollof spaghetti is a lifesaver, an easy substitute for rice. It's cheaper, easy to cook and still gives you that red, peppery Christmas vibe. With just tomato paste, pepper, onions, seasoning and a bit of oil, you can cook up a spicy, flavorful pot of jollof spaghetti that everyone will love. Add small pieces of fish, egg or fried plantain on the side, and you have a full festive meal on a budget.

2. GARRI AND SOUP (EBA, FUFU OR SEMO)

Let's be honest, garri will never disappoint. Whether it's eba, fufu or semo, just pick your favorite soup: okra, egusi, ogbono or vegetable. You don't even need much meat, fish or ponmo will do. As long as it's hot and tasty, you're good. With small pieces of fish, meat or ponmo, you can still enjoy that Christmas satisfaction without overspending.

3. YAM PORRIDGE (ÀṢÀRÒ)

Yam porridge is another hearty Nigerian meal that can replace rice during Christmas. It is soft, rich, full of flavor and equally easy to make. With palm oil, pepper, onions, crayfish and vegetables (optional), you can make a pot big enough for the family without spending too much.

4. BEANS

Beans might not sound "Christmassy", but wait till you try it well-cooked with palm oil, crayfish and pepper. Add fried plantain or yam with fried fish by the side and you will see how special it can feel. It is both filling, nutritious and budget friendly.

5. POTATOES WITH SAUCE

This is another great option. You can choose to either fry them, boil them or even roast them. Make a small tomato sauce with pepper and onion. You can even break in a few eggs to make it more festive and you've got yourself a simple but delicious Christmas meal.

6. NOODLES STIR-FRY

Now this one is for when you want something quick but still special. For families with children, this one is a hit. Make noodles for the family, but don't just put noodles in water and add seasonings. Add veggies. You can decide to break in egg(s) or even add sausage (if you so prefer). Mix it all together like stir-fry and you've got yourself a nice Christmas dish. It looks fancy, tastes great and still gives that Christmas "togetherness" vibe.

Christmas is not about the most expensive meal on the table. It's about love, laughter and family. So even if rice and chicken no show this year, no worry. Try something different, enjoy the food you have and make sweet memories with the people you love. After all, na who dey alive dey chop Christmas food.