Christmas: Pleasure or pressure?
From time immemorial, the season of Christmas has meant, new clothes for children, presentation of gifts, slaughtering of chicken, goats or cows and preparing many special delicacies on that day. For some it also means travelling to the village to spend the holidays with other family members. All of these however, can be the cause […]
From time immemorial, the season of Christmas has meant, new clothes for children, presentation of gifts, slaughtering of chicken, goats or cows and preparing many special delicacies on that day. For some it also means travelling to the village to spend the holidays with other family members. All of these however, can be the cause of excitement or depression, especially where the means to achieve them is not available.
Nwaboukie Frances, an engineer, said the thought of the season makes his heart skip some beats. “I have three kids and that is a lot of expenses. They expect that I get them Christmas clothes, kill chicken which their mum would use to make a special dish. More so on that day they would want me to take them out for more merriment. What really aches my heart more than any other thing is the fact that after all the celebration, the children’s school fees will be waiting,” he lamented. Frances added that even after all these expenses one would still need to consider parents, in-laws, siblings and other relatives who would be expecting Christmas things from him.
Chimeremuma Nwabuezie, a six-year-old boy in his innocence and ignorance of the situation of his parents said: “I can’t wait for Christmas to come! I know mummy and daddy will buy me new clothes. I will eat big chicken and mummy always bakes a big cake for us. It is always an exciting season for me and my brothers.”
Julie Enemor isn’t a breadwinner or even the first child, but she fears the season because of the financial responsibilities that await her after it. ”I am worried because I know that the season demands more expenses. I have to provide Christmas things for my younger ones who look up to me. I have my house rent that is already giving me sleepless nights. Another thing is that I have to get things for my parents and right now I don’t have a penny. This sometimes makes me even forget that Christmas is on the 25th because each time I do, I think of my responsibilities,” she narrated.
Samuel Adeleke, a graduate, awaiting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting, said: “If you see December as just another month, and that there will always be countless holidays and festivities to spend on, then the Christmas should bring pleasure. But if you see it as no other time but now, or a period that is very special, then you will get massive pressure. For me it is going to be a season of pleasure. One doesn’t have to spend on everything, having a budget for the celebration will make it a season of pleasure. So a well thought out and rigid plan to spend will ease unnecessary pressure.”
Dada Isaac, a manager at a fast food restaurant believes that the season will bring more of pressure than pleasure because of the economic situation in the country. “I believe the holiday will be more pressure than pleasure, I think so because with the current economic situation and the issue of fuel scarcity, the pressure to celebrate Christmas will be high. In my view there is no cash in town.”
Otitoju Dare Victor, a civil servant has an opposing view, he said: “The season is normally seen as a period with a lot of spending. But I don’t believe it should be a time of pressure not minding whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. The mere fact that I am alive gives me pleasure to spend and make the festive period truly a festive one for me. To be more precise, it is going to be a happy period.”
A write-up by wikihow on ‘How to celebrate Christmas on a budget’ outlines ways to enjoy the Christmas with financial ease. It says: “Set a Christmas budget in advance. Before the frenzy of Christmas time descends; work out how much you’re able and prepared to spend on Christmas festivities, gifts, and catering. The amount will depend on how much you’ve already saved, how much you can set aside from current funds, and how much you can spare in the weeks leading up to Christmas. If you start early enough, you’ll have more leeway to save a bit more.
“Work out how much you want to spend on people for presents and include decorations, food, and whatever else you think you will need. Stick to your budget it’s the indicator of what you can and cannot afford. Consider starting a budget straight after Christmas for future years. Start saving early, put money into a savings account each month or week and stick to it. Doing this will give you a lump sum to spend in December rather than scraping together money. Budget well; this should include food, decorations, presents and anything else you may buy at Christmas.”