The Christmas period is fast approaching as we come close on the first ember month, hence the need to kick-off plans if you haven’t started.
The “Xmas” period amid celebrations and visitations is accompanied by rising prices of goods and services as consumers have to pay double for what they could have gotten at lower prices periods prior to the festive period.
The recent closure of the Nigerian borders by the federal government in the bid to spur production within the economy and reduce smuggling as claimed by the FG, as seen the price of rice (a major commodity in Xmas celebration) surge to roughly N20,000 from N15,000 amongst other products affected.
Using the commodity rice as a case study, it is expected that during the festive period demand for rice will rise and as such pressure up price. If border closure persists, we may see the commodity rise even above N20,000 on increased demands.
Sometimes Christmas season feels like a fast-moving train. You’re on it. This out-of-control ride can leave you exhausted and feeling like there is no escape. The season is one that widely celebrated whether one likes it or not, prices will increase whether or not you plan to celebrate, hence the need to plan.
Here are some tips for planning
Make a checklist: Making a checklist of things you want to buy during this period helps you prioritise your needs systematically and move towards achieving them. Against the checklist are the cost of those items, then you can device savings strategies to meeting them.
Plan based on your budget: The Xmas period isn’t the last period you will have to live through although it’s the last month of the year. Whether single or married, there are more important things about your life you need to plan for, hence, Xmas celebration is just one on the list of needs. This means you must plan based on your budget and as much as possible spend within the limits of your income.
Now maybe the best time to buy: As stated earlier, prices are almost certain to rise above current levels, hence, for commodities that that be preserved till the December period like rice, live chickens, groundnut oil, etc. getting them now may not be a bad option after all.
Prioritise your gifts: The Xmas period is synonymous with the giving of gifts in the bid to show love and care towards family, spouse, girlfriends, and boyfriend, less privileged, etc. Since resources to meeting needs and wants are limited, you may need to prioritise the beneficiaries of your gifts. Who we believe deserve what differ across individuals but one this is similar – some people are topmost in our hearts based on conviction. Just a takeaway, “put a smile on that person’s face!”
Make plans for overnight guest: Yes! Of course, you may receive “unplanned visitors” hence, the need to be proactive. You may need to stock up your fridge or freezers as the case may be to entertain that visitor that will call you just an hour before saying, “I am on my to you house,”. Yeah! It sounds annoying, right? But common its Christmas, as the popular jingo states, “Santa clause is coming to town”, no one knows when he will arrive!
It’s never too late to start planning, avoid rush-hours and make the December break a memorable one. Cheers!
