Last Christmas, #SliceofGasant columnist Gasant Abarder gave them his card and the very next month, his cash was away. This year, to save him from Januworry tears, he’s going a little grinchy (while getting the best out of the holiday season).
Every year I get caught up in the festive season hype and the result is a bleak Januworry that lasts for a millennium. But not this time, Santa!
I haven’t touched my December salary until my regular payday (we usually get paid early this month as has become the tradition with many companies). In fact, I’ve even flipped a few unwanted items around the house to fortify my bank account for the onslaught that is Januworry.
There is nothing that I need. In the past, I’d blow money on the things that I wanted but didn’t need. Like, the newest Manchester United fit, gadgets that will end up in the bottom drawer a few weeks after purchasing and impromptu visits to lavish restaurants. But this year, to save me from tears (and with apologies to the late, great George Michael), I made my December salary last to the end of the month.
We have everything we need: electricity, petrol, food in the freezer and groceries.
It has been surprisingly easy. How did I do it, you may ask? Well, it started with Black Friday and my defiance in the face of the lure of big sales. If you analyse it, the savings aren’t really that big.
I took this philosophy into December and kept things tight. The problems in the past started when I went to the shops. I couldn’t leave an Adidas store empty-handed. So, I was careful to avoid it this year. When I went to Builders Warehouse for a few screws I usually left with a range of other things I wanted but didn’t need. So, I went in like a racehorse with blinkers, got the screws and promptly left without browsing. I’ve cooked wholesome family meals over weekends to avoid splurging on takeaways.
The rest of the time, I’ve kept occupied with projects around the house that I had procrastinated. I restored a teak patio table and chair set that needed some much-needed TLC and got the price I wanted for it. I cleared out the junk laying in corners of the house and organised the scullery. I even built a little table as an extension for extra guests coming over for Christmas lunch.
This year, we’re hosting the Christmas lunch for my Christian family because the regular hosts for the celebration are out of town. But everything we need has already been budgeted for.
It’s been hard, at times, I’m not going to lie. One can get cabin fever around the house. Every time I get frustrated, I’ve immersed myself in all the awesome things you can do that doesn’t cost any cash. When the urge to splurge set in, I took out the harnesses and leashes and let the two huskies take me for a walk. At times, we trekked 6km together and they were still not tired when we got home. I’ve hung out with our Jack Russell and found her to be a real character.
The best has been the quality time spent with the family. The kids drive me up the wall sometimes but them helping to fix their bikes and feeling a great sense of accomplishment while saving money by not spending has been the bonus I didn’t get. They have really shown responsibility by doing their part around the house and rarely complaining.
But wait for it. I now have a large glass jar for extra cash I have in my wallet. It’s an emergency fund that has grown steadily for a rainy day.
I’m ready for Januworry. Bring it on!
Christmas isn’t about the things we buy but rather the experiences. Play board games, listen to music and give to those who don’t have. Chris Rock said in a standup routine that economists will talk about what a horrible Christmas it’s been for retailers. But what about Jesus? It’s His birthday? How can that be horrible?
Have yourself a memorable Christmas with loved ones!
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Picture: Erwan Hesry / Unsplash
