Very soon we’ll be hearing Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way “jingo ber jingo ber, jingo for de way”, announcing Yuletide and other festivities associated with it. Here in Ghana, it will be “24th kor wo krom” but I bet you, “yenni bebiara kor”. We’ll pretend as if “aha y3 d3” meanwhile, inflation is killing us.
Gone were the days when we looked forward to Christmas shopping with ease and excitement. Today, the narrative has changed due to global economic hardship. However, “something must happen”. The essence of family reunions and the gathering of loved ones shouldn’t be sidelined. We can still enjoy Yuletide on a low budget. Ask me how?
1. With old newspapers or magazines and paper glue, the family can make interconnected rings and decorate the house. If you’re lost, ask those who were born in the 90s.
2. Resort to cooking at home instead of eating out. Ignite your creative cooking skills with the foodstuffs in season.
3. Watch Youtube videos to help the children design cards for their friends with colour pencils and A4 sheets.
4. A cooking competition between the genders in a family will be a memorable activity one will seldom forget.
5. Spend time with trusted friends or mentors to share ideas that will improve your life
6. Friends should make equal financial commitments to buy items in bulk and share them evenly.
7. When visiting a loved one, make sure to carry a gift along to ease the burden of absolute dependency.
8. Barter trading will go a long way to meet some of our needs.
9. Avoid impulse buying even when children are involved. Teach your children to control themselves in public
10. Popcorn and lemonade party will be super exciting with a family movie on display.
I hope you enjoy this yuletide with a zero debt record and create memories for a lifetime.
