Nairobi News

Millions of Kenyans are currently grappling with tighter budgets in an economy that does not favour them.

Taxes were revised upwards to historic levels, thus impacting the cost of living in millions of households. Food prices are up, fuel and electricity remain unaffordable for millions, and services are more expensive than ever and are all being paid for with salaries that have not been reviewed to accommodate inflation.

Where people used to travel or host large Christmas parties, this year, many are staying home and looking for ways to be part of the festivities without breaking the bank. Combine this with the anxiety of the upcoming educational expenses in January 2024 as school-going children join the next grades.

But now, in this bind, Nairobi News attempts to come through for you with ideas on how you can have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on a budget of not more than Sh 5,000- and not come across as a broke cheapskate. Here’s how:

1. The easiest move? Score yourself/yourselves invites to other family and friends’ Christmas parties. If they are catering for everything and all you have to do is show up after being invited, the most you will spend is Sh 2,000 on either fuel or paying cab fair, and bringing a gift or drinks to the party hosts- mkono mtupu haulambwi after all.
2. If you are planning on hosting a party, keep the number of invites low to avoid spending much on food and drinks. Buy raw foods in bulk and prepare meals that quickly satisfy people’s appetites. This will make them eat less but get full faster. Go to local markets for groceries, cook the meals instead of outsourcing chefs, and store any leftover foods for you to eat the following day. Your pockets will thank you.
3. If the party must be large and epic months in advance, you, your family, and your friends should agree on crowdfunding to get the food and drinks. If you all agree on a budget of not less than Sh 3,000 per person, it would be better for you. You still have Sh 2,000 left to do other things for yourself outside of the party. It is easier pooling small amounts of money together from many people than few people pooling a lot of money for everyone else to enjoy.
4. Keep your partying minimal to you and a partner. It is cost-effective and could be more fun than being part of a large party. You can decide on impulse where to spend the money because you will have options at your disposal as opposed to all the money going to buying food and drinks only. You can even budget for fun activities at adventure parks, go for movies or have a date. You will be surprised if you don’t even go beyond the Sh 5,000 figure.
5. Or simply, you can enjoy your Christmas alone at home chilling over movies and music. All you have to do is get the foods and drinks you enjoy and embark on a peaceful day, limiting your interactions to replying to Merry Christmas messages and scrolling on social media. The most you will probably spend is Sh 3,000. You don’t have to be part of elaborate celebrations just because everyone else is celebrating big.