December has a way of putting people into unnecessary pressure "if you allow it." Most people want to celebrate the end of the year in grand style and sometimes without putting a lot of factors into consideration, perhaps getting carried away with the vibes and the spirit of celebration in the air.
In my country, you will hear this popular slang, "Detty December," which means celebrating the season to the fullest, partying, going out to different fun spots, and just having lots of fun after a stressful year. The idea is not bad anyways, but it makes more sense when we plan the season with budgets and financial discipline.
A lot of things are involved with the December and Christmas celebration, which attracts lots of expenses. There is travel to embark on for most people, which is one heavy expense in my country these days, considering the cost of transportation. In this season, the cost is almost double the usual. There are Christmas clothes and shoes to buy for the kids, or you deal with their unending cries and disturbances lol. Our families need gifts too so they can be happy to celebrate the season, right? And many more doings in this season, all calling out for your money in the same pocket.
The question is, how do we celebrate and be happy without ending the year broke? How do we ensure we enjoy this yuletide season without having to face a loan by January in dealing with important bills? It's no longer a story that many people after the festive season live on borrowing, all because you celebrated to please friends and family or showcase what you are not.
The economy we are facing in my country is not the type to entertain fake life. Just be real, be you! In fact, there is no need to preach anything here, but practically, I will share with you what I usually do to stay within my budget and what I have already started doing for this year's festive season.
First is that I established the fact that my family and I aren't travelling to my hometown this year after my husband and I checked our pockets and other important expenses to deal with currently and in January. It's important to set my priorities right in this case, and so we shifted our travelling to the Easter period to avoid going bankrupt this time, all because our family members want us to travel home.
One thing you should remember is that you are not in competition with anyone. I love doing things because it's convenient at the time. Secondly, celebration mustn't be expensive before everyone can feel the happiness. So already, I created a simple budget to fit in this season for me and my family. I budgeted for my kids' wear and handled it already in the market yesterday, strictly maintaining the budget I made for each of my kids. Even when I was still seeing fine stuff in the market, I embraced financial discipline, lol. I kept saying, "Nkem, no way, stick to your budget; experience is the best teacher," hehehe.
Again, my husband and I agreed already on how much to send to our people in the village, and it stands that way no matter any unforeseen pressure, God help me, lol. Another important budget I set is on meal preparation this season. I must NOT have 10 different meals just because it’s Christmas. It's good to have new recipes, but I am keeping things moderate and sweet.
The next plans and budget are to have good family time, see movies together, visit the beach, and be alright, as simple as this.
Overall,the economy is not even encouraging heavy celebration this year, but then, with planning and budgeting, we can still enjoy the moment and be alright.
This is my response to the #Hive Learners prompt on the topic titled, "Celebrating on a Budget"
Images were taken from canva