The Joy I Can Still Afford

I can say for the rest of the world, but here in my country there is always this kinda magic that is usually attached to every December. Even though I do not enjoy the harmattan period, I enjoy the cool breeze that comes with it, the crowded market, the homecoming, and the laughter of everyone when the house is filled, and most especially when the children are all playing around and distracting me in my room. But in recent years, for some time now, if I am being correct, the festive season does not look like those interesting ones, maybe because of the change in power that follows the economic hardship, which has humbled everyone in one way or another. But still, we always find a way around it to throw a celebration because that is one of our identity.

While I was growing up, I was made to know that happiness cannot be seen in the money I spend but in the people I spend it with. But as simple as that is, it hits very hard for me because I have seen some people spend all their savings just to throw a December party, and when it is January, they are already calling and asking who can lend them money. And this has taught me that in everything I do, including celebrating things, I must always apply wisdom so as not to stress myself later.

So, personally, there are a lot of ways to always enjoy this festive period without running into debt and regret. I have discovered that parties do not have to be necessarily loud to make it important. It must be simple. It must always be a small set of people, not the whole community, and the foods should be homemade. And for the music aspect, once there is a Bluetooth speaker and a phone, the work is done; no DJ needed. The homemade pot of jollof rice will definitely go round if the gathering is small and remember, it is not an extravagant party but just that moment where we come together to be thankful for the year so far and make memories.

And the second thing is that the earlier we begin to prepare, the better because rush hour can make someone to spend out of budget and always go for things you can afford. Food does not bring shame to anyone, especially in this economy. And about the outfit to wear, we can always rock what we have at home, no fugazi. The glory is in my confidence and not it the expensive price tag.

And the last thing on my list is that, depending on the type of community that you come from, a lot of communities and close people usually put money together to cook during this period because it embraces unity more and the cost of things is reduced, unlike putting everything on oneself. For me, I always like things simple and not noisy and that is why I love to be around my family during this period. No pressure, just a moment of laughter, togetherness and peace of mind.

So this period, learn to do things on a budget; that is how wise people do things. It does not mean you downgrade yourself or something. Because it is learning to be prudent without having to be begging for money the following month. Remember, December is not the end of life. Another month will come and it has always been like that. And always remember, you do not need to have all the money on this world before you can enjoy it .

Thank you for reading.

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