Christmas is here; some celebrate it and others take it as a day like any other. Many people, especially parents, think of it as a day for children, and for some, a reason to spend money.

In general, the festive season is a time to be merry as it is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, a time to exchange gifts, spend time with family and friends, eat more than usual, travel, and attend parties. 

But given the pandemic we are clearly stuck with, this will not be the case this year. With travel restrictions and lockdowns in some places, we all need to adjust.

The pandemic has taken lives, left people unemployed, among many other problems, and has robbed people of ways in which to have fun as we have to practice social distancing, travel less and so much more.

But the same pandemic gave us one good thing. It opened our minds to spending less. Having a good time doesn’t mean spending all of your cash on parties, just use what you are comfortably able to. We are now reminded that it doesn’t take much to be happy.

So on Christmas, do something special as a family, however simple it is, dance in your kitchen, play a board game or sing. Be good to one another. Remember it’s all about family and fun.