The Christmas season in Nigeria is a period filled of celebrations with loved ones but there are some places to avoid in the course of such festivities.
While you want to adore your homes with twinkling lights and hang out with friends and family, there is always the fear of going broke after the festive season.
This desire to hang out with friends or family can end up making January look like the longest month.
To enjoy this holiday season and still live your normal life in January after the festivities there are some places and certain things you need to avoid.
Here are 5 places to avoid if you don’t want to go broke this Christmas
1. Luxury Shopping Malls
During the holidays, shopping malls are one of the places during Christmas that can be a financial trap despite their convenience and abundance of options. With festive decorations, eye-catching displays, and sales campaigns that frequently result in impulsive purchases, these malls aim to attract customers. Even for comparable products, mall pricing is usually greater than those at local markets.
Consider shopping at local markets like Wuse Market in Abuja, Ariaria Market in Aba, or Balogun Market in Lagos rather than in upscale malls. There are reasonably priced options for food, clothing, and even holiday décor.
2. High-End Restaurants and Lounges
Celebrating the season by dining out is common, but expensive restaurants like The Dome in Enugu, Sky Bar Rooftop Lounge in Abuja, and Hard Rock Café in Lagos can make you go broke.
These businesses frequently launch exclusive holiday meals or activities with high prices. Organize a small family get-together where each person brings a dish. It not only saves money but also strengthens bonds among people. If you must eat out, pick less expensive eateries or street food vendors that nonetheless provide delectable meals.
3. Exclusive Holiday Resorts
Avoid vacation spots this festive season if you are not financially capable because these places often increase the cost of their accommodations, travel, and other activities. Even though a vacation at La Campagne Tropicana or Obudu Cattle Ranch looks alluring, visit nearby vacation sites close to you that are equally entertaining but more affordable. For example, think of going to nearby historical places, nature parks, or beaches.
4. Concerts and Events with VIP Tickets
In Nigeria, activities and concerts are linked with the holiday season. There are many interesting performances over the Christmas season you will love to see. If you must attend these converts, avoid choosing the VIP or VVIP tickets; instead, choose standard tickets over the more expensive ones. Or you how to local cultural festivals, carol, and free or inexpensive community events.
5. Luxury Boutiques and Designer Stores
Shopping for holidays can be expensive and keep you broke if you visit high-end stores, especially those located in wealthy neighborhoods like Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos or Wuse 2 in Abuja.
If you want to shop for good quality items at a low cost, visit thrift shops and open markets like Okrika, where secondhand clothing is available, or bend-down select markets in Katangwa or Super Market in Lagos. Online secondhand shops can also be convenient and cost-effective.
You can celebrate this Christmas and New Year without being broke afterward by staying away from this expensive location and activities or by coming up with other options.