WHY SPEND MORE WHEN YOU CAN SIMPLY DO THIS?
Christmas and New Year’s—the season of joy, laughter, and, let’s be honest, a little financial chaos. There’s something magical about the holidays that makes even the most disciplined among us think, “Sure, I can afford that!” Then January rolls around, and suddenly you’re looking at your bank statement like it’s a bad plot twist in a movie you didn’t sign up for. I know you will now be like “Well Eugene, you don’t want me to enjoy the season” but hold on a second.
Here’s the deal: you don’t have to let the sense of the season blind you to reality. Celebrating doesn’t mean you need to break the bank, and I promise, you can still enjoy the magic without giving your wallet a workout. Let’s chat about this—not like a lecture, but like two friends who both know that feeling when you’ve got champagne tastes and a soda budget.
1. Gifts Don’t Need to Impress, Just Express
We’ve all been there: standing in a store, holding something shiny, and convincing ourselves it’s the perfect gift. But let’s be real. The best gifts don’t come with a big price tag; they come with thoughtfulness. That homemade card or a heartfelt letter? It’ll mean more to your loved ones than the expensive gadget they’ll forget about by February. Trust me, no one’s ever said, “I wish you’d spent more money on me.”
2. The Party Budget That Won’t Come Back to Haunt You
Holiday parties are fantastic, but you don’t need to host the North Pole’s gala. A cozy evening with friends, some good food, and a few laughs can be just as memorable as a grand event. Besides, do you really want to be the person who spends the next six months paying off a party that lasted six hours? Keep it simple, keep it joyful, and keep your sanity intact.
3. Sales Are Not Your Best Friend
Mheem, the holiday sales—the ultimate siren song. “50% off!” they scream, and suddenly you’re justifying why you need a third air fryer. Here’s a tip: If you didn’t want it before it was on sale, you don’t need it now. Sales are great, but they’re also sneaky. Stay focused on what you actually need, not what’s cleverly marketed as a “must-have.”
4. Remember, January Exists
It’s easy to get caught up in the “holiday spirit” and forget that life continues after December. But come January, the bills will still be there, and so will your goals. The joy of the season shouldn’t come at the expense of your peace of mind in the new year. Spend wisely so you can walk into January with confidence, not regret.
5. It’s About the People, Not the Price Tags
The holidays aren’t about how much you spend. They’re about who you spend them with. The laughter, the stories, the moments that make you feel alive—those don’t cost a thing. So, focus on what matters. Invest your time, your energy, and your heart, and let the season remind you that joy is never for sale.
Celebrate Without Breaking the Bank
This Christmas and New Year, let’s do things differently. Let’s celebrate with intention, joy, and yes, a bit of restraint. Because at the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about the stuff we buy—they’re about the memories we make and the love we share.
And come January, when you check your bank account, you’ll thank yourself, and maybe thank me also. After all, the best way to start a new year is with peace of mind and a wallet that doesn’t look like it went through a hurricane.
I cant forget to mention that this is part of my effort in stopping you from unnecessary expenditure and long term problems.
Eugene Nanven Writes from Abuja FCT Nigeria