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It’s called the silly season for a reason. Disappearing relatives who show up after Christmas Day, a three-digit bank balance at a blink of an eye and living it up like every day is the weekend. Mariah Carey belting her Christmas anthem at shopping centres everywhere and suddenly you’re more popular than Beyonce with your events calendar filling up pretty quickly. South Africans wait on December like a long-lost love and while the holidays are cause for great celebration, they can also bring anxiety and financial stress along with it. Families may have high expectations at this time of year, and we often feel pressured into spending money we don’t have or overindulging in some way. Nando’s has come up with tips to effectively navigate the holidays and come out the other side unscathed.
Don’t Overspend
We know that this is easier said than done. It’s difficult to resist the temptation to splurge and spoil yourself and your loved ones during the festive season. South Africans are notorious big spenders come December, collectively spending more than R200billion during the season (according to a Wonga 2021 spending survey). Financial advisors everywhere will tell you to set a budget and stick to it. Look for sales and promotions on gifting or groceries and only buy what you need. Rather do “Secret Santa” gifting with friends, so you’re not expected to buy 10 different gifts. Consider getting a Nando’s gift card which you can personalize with a special message and design. The festive spirit is strong, but you must be stronger.
Plan Ahead
Whether it’s your travel arrangements or meal preparation. Plan ahead to avoid overworking or spending more money than you have to. Schedule in the times you need to allocate to family and friends. It sounds like a chore but will make sure nobody is left feeling disappointed. Make mealtimes stress-free by planning your menus and shopping lists accordingly. And if you don’t have enough time in the day to get through it all, ask for help. Get the family involved or outsource some tasks. Nando’s, for example, has a delicious, affordable family Festive Meal for just R199 for a full chicken with two sharing sides. Get all of the deliciousness, with none of the fuss. If there are leftovers from any meal, find creative ways to reinvent them for breakfast or lunch. Your local grocery store would have products like Nando’s sauces or Bag & Bake for all your PERi-tricks. Wasteless waste this Dezemba means less Janu-worry!
Leave the Drama
Family dynamics have you stressed out? Not getting on with some people? Walk away. If you’ve taken annual leave in December with the intention to rest and relax, make sure you do that. It’s OK to cancel plans and not make that party if you’re not up to it. Be sure to find some “me-time” in-between all the madness and you’ll be all the better for it, both mentally and spiritually.
Find Happiness in the Little Things
Do you find great joy in the festive spirit? Love nothing more than window shopping, while listening to Michael Bublé in-store? Do it. Need a day on the couch binging Christmas movies – go for it. A lazy brunch with the girls or drinks with amajita? Yes, please! Fun fact: Did you know that eating spicy food causes your brain to produce ‘happy’ hormones like serotonin? So whether you’re mild or xtra hot on the Nando’s PERi-ometer, make sure you find some bits of happiness in the day with your favourite meals. We’ve worked long and hard this year, so we’re entitled to feel joyful and take solace in the things we like doing.
Keep Some Routine
It’s so easy to slip out of routine during the holidays. Some days we wake up not even knowing what day it is. But try doing at least one thing from your daily routine to keep you feeling in control, like hitting the gym or focusing a bit of time on a DIY project or cooking a meal. We find good mental health in routine, so if you are feeling anxious or stressed, it can help calm you.
‘Tis the Season
Enjoy it all. Even when things don’t go accordingly to plan, think of it as a great story to tell afterward. And many legendary stories start with “So we were all seated around the table when…”
Practice gratitude for making it through another stressful year and enjoy the time you get to spend with family and friends.