Up your game during the festive holidays



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I may have lived almost three decades, but nothing beats the feeling of excitement towards the end of the year, when everyone anticipates the festive season. This is the time when everyone, no matter in which part of the world you are, makes time for family. Almost every home celebrates by hosting barbeques / parties that last till the wee hours of the morning.

The festive holidays bring a time of fun and relaxation, essential for some who work all throughout the year like there's no tomorrow. During this time there’s a lot that goes down that many may turn a blind eye or deaf ear to, all in the sake of having fun. Often, in many instances, children are left without any adult supervision. Parents are caught up in having fun with their peers and lack discipline on wayward children who end up in neighbouring night clubs, house parties and on the streets where they are exposed to a lot of disturbing activities.

A lot of teenagers are more vulnerable to substance abuse during this time of the year because no one takes the time to monitor their whereabouts. Some of the reasons for this behaviour relates back to problems at home, wanting to fit in the crowd, and general experimenting.

The festive season not only brings joy, fun and relaxation, but to some it can be the most stressful time of the year. What with family feuds that never seem to get resolved in every get-together, last minute shopping and overspending on your budget. The most sensible way of overcoming all this, is by planning ahead on the activities and money to be spent on your family during the holidays.

Lots of shops get decorated and everyone gets caught up in the festive spirit several months before Christmas. With most people struggling under the debt burden, and determined to get their finances back on track, the festive season should not derail that. It is ideal to always adopt a shopping strategy of carrying a shopping list that you stick to and always shop on a full stomach. Most shops have promotions or sales, and you do not want to end up in shops that you never planned on entering.

There are also many fun ideas on activities that you can involve your family in, which are also low on the budget. These include:

• Visiting relatives in another town or country. You enjoy being in a different, unfamiliar place at no cost on accomodation and meals.
• Baking Christmas treats and making special dishes for lunch. You won't spend money on the bakery and that fancy restaurant down town..
• Decorating the Christmas tree.  
• Attending the Christmas Eve church service to sing carols.
• Wrapping gifts for everyone.
• Making your own Christmas cards.

Enjoy a stress-free festive season!!