By Dr. MASIMBA MAVAZA As the clock strikes midnight and we welcome a fresh start, many of us are left reckoning with our Christmas finances. It’s no secret that the holiday season can be a time of unchecked spending, with the pressure to buy gifts, host parties, and deck the halls often leading to a festive frenzy. We even add to the electric bills by lighting up Christmas decorations.But have you ever felt like the “Spirit of Show-Off” got the better of you? You might’ve justified splurging on lavish gifts, over-the-top decorations, or an extravagant holiday feast, only to be left with a depleted bank account and a nagging sense of financial hangover. The truth is, Christmas can be a time of financial irresponsibility, with many of us getting caught up in the excitement and neglecting our budgets. But as we step into the new year, it’s time to take a step back and reassess our priorities. The Pitfalls of Extravagant Gift-Giving Extravagant gift-giving can be a slippery slope. As the new year beckons, we may find ourselves trapped in financial stress. Overspending on gifts can lead to debt, depleted savings, and financial anxiety. Those you give to will forget about you soon after they have received. Some of them will even put you under pressure with unrealistic expectations. Lavish gifts can create expectations for future celebrations that are hard to meet. Lovers of material things—often girlfriends—may bombard you with demands. Visiting family has become expensive. Focusing on material gifts can distract from meaningful connections. This causes pressure and stress. The pressure to buy expensive gifts can be overwhelming. Those you buy for rarely feel sorry for you or your pocket. It becomes a waste of resources. Extravagant gifts often go unappreciated or unused. Some people only want gifts so they can compete with you. In the coming year, do not be a Father Christmas. Instead, focus on thoughtful, meaningful gifts that show you care—and still leave you in a comfortable financial position. We’ve all been there—scrolling through social media, seeing friends and family flaunting their gifts, and feeling pressure to keep up. But is it really worth it? Overspending on gifts can lead to financial stress, debt, and a serious dent in our savings. Rent is waiting. Bills are waiting. Showering the world with gifts only destroys your pocket. Instead, why not try a more mindful approach to gift-giving? Consider setting a budget, making homemade gifts, or focusing on experiences over material possessions. As human beings, we need to learn to break free from the cycle that leads to the dreaded January diseases. So, how can you break free from the cycle of overspending and start the new year on a more financially stable foot? – Set a budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend—and stick to it. – Prioritise experiences. Focus on creating memories with loved ones rather than buying expensive gifts. – Get creative. Make your own gifts or try a Secret Santa-style exchange. – Take a financial timeout. Give yourself permission to say no to non-essential expenses and focus on saving. As we embark on a new year, let’s make a conscious effort to be more mindful of our finances and focus on what truly matters—connection, love, and making memories with those around us. Always set a budget and follow it. Decide how much you can afford and stick to it. Focus on creating memories with loved ones—not on building relationships based on money. Practice gratitude. Never wish to have what others have. Appreciate what you already have.If you can, try implementing a “no-gift” policy or set a price limit with friends and family. Use cashback apps or rewards programs to offset costs. Plan ahead and space out expenses throughout the year. Remember, holidays will always be with us. Be wise and be clever. Happy New Year, friends. — Post navigation NDS1 to NDS2: From Vision to Delivery, Why This Is More Than a Slogan