Tips for having end-of-the-year fun that won’t break the bank
Ladies and Gentlemen, “Detty December” is here! It’s that time of the year when we forget about our worries and issues. We party every day till the sun goes down and then we continue when the sun rises. In December, every day is a party and everyone wants to make sure they don’t miss out on all that fun: no one wants to have FOMO (fear of missing out). Ok, maybe I exaggerate just a bit. Not everyone parties from sunup till sundown and definitely, not everyone forgets about their worries and issues, after all, those bills won’t pay for themselves.
It’s the end of the year and an opportunity to reflect on the past year and remain thankful, at least, while there is life, there is hope. Sadly, it’s also the time when many people remember the things they do not have because they can see other people celebrating and making merry. Focusing on what we have as against what we don’t have is a better way of looking at things though, just saying.
Everyone knows that it’s been a tough year. We have had various security challenges, fuel scarcity has reared its head several times, the national grid has collapsed more times than anyone can count, the gap between the dollar and the naira keeps widening, many parts of Nigeria have been submerged by flood, and these are not all of the issues. To top it up, the cost of living is on an upward trend, and many people have had to adjust and readjust their budgets seeing as income has not necessarily matched cost increments. Notwithstanding, we are alive and hopefully well.
I am not sure how detty this December will be for many people considering the situation of things; however, I do believe that taking the time to be thankful and celebrate is still very important irrespective of whatever anyone might be going through. Looking on the bright side always offers rays of hope irrespective of whatever situation one is in. Whatever you do, ensure that you create your fun as you desire.
Lagos is the epicentre of the December experience as something is always happening somewhere, every day of the week. From concerts to parties, dinners to shows, festivals and exhibitions, it’s one activity or the other back-to-back. If you have the means, you can experience as much of Detty December as you can make time for. If you don’t, you have to get creative. Either way, planning and preparing are important. I am not so concerned with those who can afford to jump from event to event. This December, I want to focus on those who are watching their naira and kobo.
The first thing I would recommend is that you take out your pen and paper, or your laptop, and begin curating your holiday experience. What would you like to do this month? Where can you get information on what’s happening in your city? How much can you afford to spend? What experiences match your budget? Which activities can you organise separately from any public event? Who do you know is ready to partner with you?
Once you have an idea of what you would like your holiday experience to be like, get your crew together. This could be one group of people that you experience all or most of these activities with or different groups of people that love different experiences. Get like-minded people based on the experiences you plan for yourself and run your plan by them for input and feedback. You would be amazed at the information available to you when you take on other people’s suggestions and opinions. Also, consider if your plans need to be adult-only or child friendly; don’t leave the kids bored at home but also make sure you catch your fun.
Now let’s talk about money because you need some to have a great experience. How much can you spare? Are you and your friends prepared to pool resources together? For example, what’s the point of taking separate cars when you can carpool and save fuel? You could buy food and drinks in bulk together and you could also order platters to share at restaurants instead of having separate meals. Oh, before I forget, whatever you do, do not turn down an invitation to eat, there may not be rice at home o!
Your list of activities would most likely have the usual concerts and festivals, maybe an owambe or even a beach party, but I suggest that you get a bit more creative especially as you are counting the pennies. Have you considered a movie or karaoke night in your living room? Cook-outs are also fun, what about a cooking competition? Sightseeing and window-shopping? Experiencing the nightlife in another part of town you aren’t conversant with? A house party or a street party? I trust Lagos Island people, the party starts once two or three people are gathered. Ssshhhh, don’t say I told you but gatecrashing parties is still a thing. Nothing like doing a quick “mogbo-moya” at that party down the road. I’ve never done it but I have friends who can swear by this.
It would be good if you could afford to squeeze in a concert or two as many A-list musicians are headlining concerts. The ticket prices to some of these shows have made me decide to have a personal YouTube concert at home though. I will be both DJ and crowd as I stream music on my laptop while singing and dancing along. No need for champagne and canapes, I will have jollof rice with chilled zobo, and I will probably throw in some groundnuts as well.
What to wear out is always a major consideration: everyone wants to look good. Whatever you do, please dress for the occasion. For night events in potentially busy areas, think about comfort and safety first. I remember one of those concerts at that popular hotel in VI that had people running helter-skelter at some point when the mannerless ones invaded the place. You don’t want to be caught running in stilettos or skinny jeans.
You don’t necessarily need to break the bank because you are looking for new clothes, just get creative. Dig out some of your clothes and have them redesigned/refitted in new styles. You have to find a good alterations tailor first though. You could also pop down to any of the teeming Okrika spots (to be understood as “vintage”) and purchase a few timeless pieces. Make sure you launder them properly: you’ll know the difference when people start asking where you got them from with that hard-to-hide envious look.
There is so much to experience but prudence is also required. Do you have any other pocket-friendly plans? Do share. January is coming and we all need to prepare for the longest month of the year. Oh, before I forget, the most important thing is to ensure that you spend time with close family and friends. This season is always a time to create memories so don’t waste it. It’s also the season for caring and sharing so lend a hand when you can, you might just be a lifesaver too. This is the way I see things today.