A Calm Christmas On A Budget.

The way this year has been moving, I have honestly told myself that this Christmas celebration has to be on a strict budget, like a very strict one, not that I even have the money to even do a loud one in the first place, so no stressing, no overspending, no trying to impress anybody in any way, Just peace, family, food, and rest, and to be honest, that is more than enough for me right now.

My plan for this Christmas is actually very simple, spend it with my parents and my kids, that alone already feels like celebration, you know how December in Nigeria can be, everywhere bubbling, pressure high, people trying to do “Detty December” even on empty pockets, Me o I am not even doing all that this year, I just want to breathe well.

And In terms of food and the actual celebration, my plan is just to support my mom with whatever money I can get, nothing big, nothing crazy just something she can add to what she has already saved up for Christmas, once I do that, I know food is settled, so my mom is that type that always plans ahead for festive periods, so me adding my little contribution just gives her more room to make all the Christmas small chops, rice, stew, meat, and all that, that way, we are celebrating together without anybody breaking their bank.

For this season, my real joy is in knowing we will eat well, gist, laugh, and have that family moment, I am not bothered about going out, buying new clothes, or trying to match anybody’s “celebration vibe.” Sometimes the best Christmas is the one you spend indoors, eating and sleeping like you don’t have responsibilities.

I also don’t want to pressure myself with unnecessary expenses, the way things are in this economy ehn, it is very easy to find yourself broke just because you want to feel among, Especially this period where everything in the market has doubled even the tomatoes will look at you and be like, "Madam, can you afford me?” So I am keeping it simple and calm, no stress at all.

Though, to be honest, I did promise my kids that I would take them out. And we all know how children are , once you say something, they bookmark it in their mind like a contract, So I am just hoping that if something comes up, maybe small cash here and there, I can still fulfill that promise and take them out, even if it is just to buy ice cream, visit a small fun park, or do something low budget but fun, Kids don’t even need too much to be happy, just let them go out and see new faces and play small, and they are good.

But if nothing comes up and we end up staying home, I already know they will still enjoy the day because there will be food, and children love food during festive period, Plus, with cousins around and everyone in the house, they will still have fun.

So yes, that is my own budget Christmas plan, very chilled, very homely, very Nigerian, and very pocket-friendly. No overspending, no trying to do pass myself, Just family, food, laughter, and rest, at the end of the day, that is what matters the most.

This year has already taught me not to stress myself unnecessarily, so this Christmas, I am choosing peace over pressure, simplicity over stress, and home over outside, and honestly, I am perfectly fine with that.

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