By Joy Essien, Contributing Editor, Lagos Metropolitan.
You know how everything about Christmas screams expenses but you don’t quite see it because of the mood of the season. Shops, stores amd malls are extraordinarily filled with so many items, beautiful decorations to attract you, and even hotels and restaurants are all tugging at you and your pockets to come in, spend and have a nice time with friends and family. Well, January is always waiting patiently to slap you back to reality in a very harsh manner. January remains the most brutal of months when it comes to reality and hard lessons but many never learn.
In places like Lagos that is synonymous with the slang "Detty December" this year’s detty December is looking like it is going to force people to be wiser with money.
Once upon a time, Nigerians in diaspora came back home to have a wonderful Christmas because it was much fun here with family and friends and the best part, more affordable. But in recent years, the cost of renting Airbnb apartments for short and extended stays have become a means by greedy business owners to extort guests and holiday makers. An industry that was booming and a huge economic boost is threatening to crash. With rooms currently renting upwards of 700k per night, holiday guests are going back to hotels or outrightly canceling their trip to Nigeria. The affordability that used to be the catch has changed. Even the cost of tickets to go for shows of your favorite music artists don’t even make sense anymore.
First thing you need to do to survive this season and not end up broke in January is to:
Prioritize.
What’s important to you? If you’re an indoor person, plan some intimate and fun activities with family and friends. Netflix, uninterrupted power, good food and fun activities like barbecue, night strolls, church and family conversations are still wholesome.
Create a Budget.
Have a budget mapped out for the season that covers food, outings, gifts.. etc. Once that budget is exceeded, be discplined enough to seal your purse.
Plan and Shop Ahead.
Planning ahead and shopping in advance not only reduces stress but it also helps you save more. Take advantage of sales and discounts like Black Friday sales.
This last one is probably the most important of all.
Take Care of Your Big Budget commitment First.
Such things as house rent, children’s school fees and other serious things like this, should first be sorted before excessive Christmas spending commences. This way, you’re not broke, desperate and depressed come January.
Always remember that Jesus is the reason for the season and quality time with family, friends and loved ones are all that really matter.
