Today marks 10 days to Christmas Day, the climax of the festive season and consumers are up and down stocking for the moment and beyond but with caution amid the rising cost of living.
If sentiments from random interviews are anything to go by, for many households, the Christmas and New Year festive season is coming at a time of deep financial strain that has forced them to change the manner they celebrate.
The Nation interviewed consumers in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Zomba cities who shared a pattern of cautious and conscientious spending, largely driven by the continued rise in commodity prices and shrinking household incomes.
At Blantyre Market, Irish potato vendor Willy Kaphela, who was found seated surrounded by sacks of produce, said the Christmas mood was subdued.
He said: “Despite the festive season being characterised by sharing and gets together, my biggest headache is what I will provide for my children.
“To us as adults, we can go to bed on Christmas and New Year days on an empty stomach considering the financial situation we are currently in, but for kids they cannot understand that.”
Like many parents, Kaphele said the pressure of meeting children’s expectations weighs heavily on him. This year, his family’s celebration will be modest, stripped of the extras that once defined the season. Still, he clings to faith.
“What is more important is just to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the New Year,” he said.
In Lilongwe, similar sentiments dominate many households amid the sound of Christmas carols on radios and shopping centres.
Sigere Malisawo, a mother of two from Area 25, said she has already begun cutting down on non-essential purchases. She said new clothes, special meals and gifts, once routine have become luxuries.
“We will buy just the basics. The children are asking for new clothes and special meals, but prices are too high. Sometimes you feel guilty as a parent, but you also have to survive,” she said.
On the other hand, Emmanuel Nkhambule, a taxi operator at Luwinga in Mzuzu, said the combination of food inflation and transport expenses has left little room for celebration.
“Before, Christmas meant nyama [meat], drinks and visiting relatives. But this year, even buying enough maize flour is a struggle. We will just stay home and pray for better days,” he said.
However, amid the belt-tightening, there are pockets of relief and optimism as expressed by farmer Isaac Nota in Zomba City who said this festive season will be different for his family, thanks to the government’s recent announcement of free primary and secondary education and the abolition of examination fees starting January.
With three children in public secondary schools, he estimates spending K500 000 per term on tuition.
Religious leaders have also weighed in, urging hope amid hardship. During a homily celebrating Gaudete Sunday at St. Albert the Great Parish in Mzuzu, Father Yotam Msumba reminded congregants not to despair because of financial difficulties.
In a separate interview yesterday, economist Donasius Pathera advised consumers to enjoy the season, but with restraint. He said it is good to have fun and consumers spoil themselves once in a while, but financial prudence is important in everything.
“Avoid spending on debt as it will later haunt you. There is a life after the festive season,” he said.
In a statement dated December 12 2025, signed by Consumers Association of Malawi executive director John Kapito, the association also cautioned against unnecessary travel and purchases of luxury goods.
Additional reporting by RALPH MVONA, News Analyst.
