Candid Talk

It’s Jesus’ birthday, not yours

So, in six days, it will be that time of the year when we celebrate Christmas. It was set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of the Christian faith. Christians, including myself, believe He is the son of God and came to earth for the salvation of mankind from eternal wrath of God.

Naturally the day is characterised by merrymaking. But have you noticed how irresponsible many adults become during this season? I wonder if some of our actions bring any glory and honour to the name of Christ. But one thing is for sure, when we act irresponsibly, we end up with serious financial problems in January and go to our friends and family asking for ‘favours’ and bail outs.

After all these years, we should not be talking about this issue. By now, we must have learned from our mistakes and do better, but it seems we are having problems to learn.

Why do we always say January is a painful and difficult month? It is because we do not plan. We just go with the tide.

Many of us force ourselves in circles of people who earn more than we do. There is nothing wrong with having richer friends. But when we have to spend more just to conform to their lifestyle, then there is a problem. In the end, we try to spend like them and end up in huge financial problems. This year, be yourself my friend. Do not rush to confirm your participation for that trip to destination A or destination B when you know your funds are not enough or you have other responsibilities such as children school fees.

This is not to say you cannot have any fun. Do it according to your pocket. It won’t be fair to be part of the trip to destination A, wear expensive matching outfits with your friends and later in January have no money for your children’s school fees. Always put your priorities right.

Do not be ashamed to excuse yourself from attending the party at that posh club because you do not have enough resources. It will sulk for a while, but it’s not that bad. The problem is we handle Christmas like it is about us. It is Jesus Christ’s birthday. It is him who is supposed to be ‘spoiled’ and not us. Let us treat it accordingly.

Christmas is not the time to put ourselves or our lovers under pressure to buy us gifts. If a friend or lover spoils us, well and good, but if they don’t, osakwiya. This day has deeper meaning than spending. What makes it bad is when we spend what we do not have when the occasion does not even need us to. Many only spend just to fit in and look cool. But I say to hell with looking cool. Be authentic and honest with yourself. That is what really matters. While it is good to network and be together with friends and associates during Christmas. if their values of Christmas do not tally with yours, don’t get involved. If their spending proves to be too much for you, kindly excuse yourself. We have seen many people sinking into serious debts because they wanted to be seen as big spenders on Christmas. This immaturity only backfires and also affects those that we love such as children, parents and siblings that depend on us. Let’s tone down a bit if we do not have the resources this Christmas. Remember, it is not your birthday, it is Jesus’. Merry Christmas everyone!

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