Passing through the Clock Tower Roundabout in Blantyre one of the evenings this week, my attention was drawn to a glittering image of a giant Christmas tree tucked almost half the height of the street light pole at the centre.
To me, this, and the newspaper front page countdowns, served as reminders that Christmas Day, the ceremonial birthday of Jesus Christ celebrated every December 25, is around the corner. In fact, Christmas is 13 days away today.
It is one festive season that stirs excitement among both Christians and non-believers, and the mood extends to the New Year’s Day on January 1.
For many Malawians, 2024 was a mixed bag.
It was one the country woke up to the sad news of the death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others in a military plane crash on June 10. May their souls continue resting in eternal peace. #Tidzazindikira Bwino Patsogolo.
On the social and economic front, the year was dose of bitter medicine as the cost of living continued to increase with prices of goods and services rising at a faster rate of 32.5 percent as of November according to the National Statistical Office. Making ends meet has not been easy as prices of essentials have doubled or tripled in some cases.
Traditionally, the Christmas festive season is a time when people make merry, share with the less privileged and reflect. It is a special occasion where special meals and, in some cases, clothes take centre stage.
Businesses also take advantage of the occasion to maximise sales’ volumes through promotions that tend to entice the masses to spend lavishly. There is nothing wrong with shopping or making merry as long as you can afford and save some “reserves” for the rainy day. If you can afford it, spoil yourself after a year of sweat and tears, osamazimana, zipepeseni [give yourself a treat].
But in the course of the excitement, impulse buying creeps in. This is where the problems start as one can end up blowing their budget on things they realise later that they did not need.
You can avoid falling into the trap of impulse-buying by making it a habit to draw a shopping list and sticking to it when you go out shopping. To some, the shopping list may sound “old school”, but it goes a long way to help one manage finances.
For the past couple of years, former Attorney General Chikosa Mozesi Silungwe, PhD, through his Facebook page, has been reminding people about the “10 days of madness” in reference to the period between December 21 and January 1 because people spend as if they are possessed only to seek soft loans from January 2. Don’t be part of the madness, spend and enjoy responsibly.
Be on your guard by avoiding to get carried away by the euphoria as many who have behaved “silly” after being drowned in the festive euphoria have paid dearly financially in January and beyond. Being on guard demands a high level of sanity and planning for one’s personal finances.
Exchange of gifts is the order of the day during the season, but then you do not necessarily need to buy very expensive gifts that will break your back. It is the gesture that matters. So, do not overburden yourself financially.
In December, most employers pay salaries earlier than usual to allow their employees to stock up for the festive season. In some cases, based on company performance, some employers also pay bonuses either in form of what is called “the 13th cheque” or a percentage of one’s earnings. If you are lucky to get a bonus cheque, prioritise living expenses before going merry. For example, if you live in a rented house, make payment of rent a priority, school fees for your children, food and utility bills—water and electricity—should be sorted out if you are to have peace of mind.
Safety is also critical during the festive season. Ensure that your home and environment in general is secure. If you are driving, ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy. It is a fact that the festive season is a happy occasion but avoid excessive celebrations.
Christmas and New Year festivities have existed since time immemorial and will always be here. Be responsible in your celebrations and avoid getting carried away by planning expenditures to avoid a bad aftertaste come January. Do not spend money like you have been cast with a spell or as if the money is perishable and will go bad.
