With the holiday season in full swing, the excitement of planning parties and spending money on gifts is unavoidable.
Regardless, the high cost of living this year presents challenges that are pushing everyone to make more conscious financial decisions.
Everyone is looking for cheaper ways of enjoying the joy of the holiday season while still being financially prepared for the new year and the challenges it will present as well as not having any regrets of their December expenditure.
This article gets into detail of items you do not have to spend too much money on and why.
Don’t Travel Upcountry
Yes, it is a Kenyan culture to enjoy Christmas upcountry with family we left behind while moving to different cities for work.
However, sometimes, it can be very expensive, especially travelling upcountry with kids during the festive season when fares are hiked.
Also, the kids must go back to school the following year in January, meaning there is no room to make any financial mistakes. Otherwise, you might start the new year in debt or with loans.
One idea is to work during the busy holiday season and then take your break in February. This way, you can save money and still enjoy a vacation.
Also Read: DCI Boss Gives New Directive Ahead of Christmas Holiday
Celebrating a holiday in February might sound a bit different, but it comes with some good things, especially when it comes to spending less money on travel. This time of the year is not as busy as the usual holiday season in December, so travel costs are much lower.
If you have kids who go to school, February is great because it usually matches their school break. This means you can plan a trip without them missing important school days.
Use DIY Holiday Decorations and Wrapping
Instead of purchasing store-bought decorations, consider using alternative décor items or homemade ornaments that also add a genuine and personal touch to your holiday space.
When it comes to gift wrapping, you can use old newspapers, scraps of fabric, or custom brown paper embellished with hand-drawn designs or stamps to transform your presents.
DIY not only saves you money, but it is also good for the environment. Furthermore, making these decorations and wraps can be a fun family activity.
Shop Secondhand
Thrift stores, antique stores, and online marketplaces can all be holiday treasure troves. These stores sell everything from unique decorations to vintage clothing suitable for holiday parties at a fraction of the original price.
Buying secondhand also contributes to a more circular economy, reducing the demand for new products and the environmental strain they can bring.
Also Read: Kiambu Senator Karungo Proposes More Public Holidays for Kenyans
Look For Ways to Make Travel Cheaper
If you have to travel home for the holidays, however, you can look for cheaper alternatives. As earlier established, fares during the holidays can be very expensive.
For some families, travelling is one of the most significant expenses, especially if they’re a large one.
For instance, if you are a family of five and need to travel from Nairobi to Western or Coast Province, you could spend upwards of Ksh15,000 for a trip home.
Alternatively, you can consider taking public transportation instead of spending too much money on fuel.
Also consider bringing snacks with you on the journey. This will help you save money on buying food along the way, which is usually averagely pricy.
