I came across a post some days ago that was alerting every person about the end of year celebrations and the coming 48 days long January lol. It was so funny to read but it's the reality we have for as long as I can remember January being so long because so many spent too much in the last month and it's celebrations.
It's not a new feeling for many of us... When we don't have money on us, there's this slow movement the time does and everything seem to go too slow. That's what January does to many who have failed to budget and work with it during the end of year celebrations. It's hard though, I mean, it's not easy seeing the end of year alive.
It's hard to enjoy as much as you want to and spend as less as possible having the new year plans in mind. But that is where budgets and self discipline comes in. I've lived with different people during the end of the year to learn that there are different ways to keep a budget and still have a memorable celebration for the year's end.
I remember spending the end of year with my aunt years ago, she did something that I think was a good trick to have a good celebration by spending less. She bought the non perishable long before everybody started to feel the celebration moments drawing near. We had so much to eat but she spent lesser than others did.
Another hack I witness a family do was, using the protein that was cheaper and preparing it so well that those who ate it didn't miss eating a better protein. For many, if it's not chicken, they've not celebrated. Well, if you want to be on a budget that won't leave you stranded later, there is beef, goat and pig meat. Preparation beautifies them.
Personally, I don't do too much to celebrate the end of the year so I don't get to spend above my means. My family has the very simple tradition to celebrate by showing gratitude to God and that is coming together to pray and praise God. After that, we prepare the meals that we can afford and enjoy ourselves without breaking the bank.
Having a budget on the amount to spend for the month of December and another amount kept to continue the month of January is the right way to go about the year's celebration. What I want us to understand is that, even when we decide to spend so much for a celebration, we will still have the things we wouldn't be able to afford to do.
So why not be contented with what you can afford and enjoy the ones that come your way? I know I've had end of year celebrations where my family didn't even spend much because we had so many generous people around us. While you try to create your own enjoyment based on your planned budget, be open to celebrate with others.
Images used are AI generated.
