December survival tips, what to avoid this festive season

As December rolls in with its jingles and holiday cheer, Ugandans across the country are bracing for the ultimate annual test of financial resilience and social endurance.

While the season promises joy, family reunions, and a break from the year’s hustle, it’s also a notorious time for questionable decisions, social faux pas, and avoidable disasters. Experts and seasoned December survivors weigh in on what Ugandans should steer clear of during the festivities.

Hanging Out with the Wrong Crowd
There’s a unique breed of friends who awaken in December with an insatiable thirst for chaos, commonly known as Team No Sleep. These nocturnal warriors will insist on nightly escapades, chanting their motto, “Life is for the living.” However, as the clock strikes 3 a.m., they mysteriously disappear when it’s time to pay for the last round of drinks. Financial expert Sarah Tumwesigye advises caution, stating, “December is a financially sensitive month. Peer pressure during this period is often disguised as fun, but it could leave you scrambling to afford January basics like rent and school fees.”

Instead of gallivanting with such a company, Tumwesigye suggests curating outings with friends who understand the phrase “cost-sharing” or simply spending quality time at home with family. “You don’t have to prove you’re living your best life every night on Instagram,” she adds.

Family Visits
Visiting relatives during the festive season might sound like a good idea—until you realize you’ve walked into a pressure cooker disguised as a family gathering. Aunt Jane will not hesitate to remind you that you’re the only one in your age group without a wedding ring, while your cousins will compete to outshine you with their latest gadgets or tales of international travel.

Worse still, some relatives will inflate your financial status based on your social media posts. “People need to be realistic about family dynamics,” warns Tumwesigye.

“Festive family gatherings can often devolve into subtle competitions or judgment zones.” She suggests prioritizing smaller, meaningful visits with close family members who won’t turn your presence into an interrogation or a financial obligation.

Impulse Shopping of Discounts
If you thought Black Friday was bad, December sales in Uganda will take you to another level of consumer madness. The discounts at downtown stores and flashy malls will tempt you to buy that electric kettle you don’t need or the sequined dress that doesn’t fit. Retailers know this, which is why they’ll slap a “50% OFF” sticker on items that were overpriced to begin with.

Tumwesigye explains, “Retailers exploit the festive euphoria to lure customers into buying unnecessary things. You should create a shopping list before you step out and stick to it.” She also recommends setting a budget and using cash instead of mobile money or card payments, as the latter can lead to unchecked spending.

Navigating the “Tugende Mu Village” Trap
For urban dwellers, the annual migration to the village is a time-honored tradition, but it’s not without its pitfalls. Once in the village, you’ll be treated as the family ATM. Requests will range from buying Christmas meat for the extended clan to fixing the borehole that’s been broken since 1998.

If you must go, seasoned December travelers advise setting boundaries early. As one veteran put it, “The trick is to appear broke before they even ask. Dress modestly, avoid flashy gadgets, and don’t arrive with an entourage of kids wearing matching outfits.”

Overindulging in Food and Drink
Christmas in Uganda is incomplete without mountains of pilao, rivers of soda, and roasted goat aplenty. While this sounds delightful, the aftermath is anything but festive. Hospitals often report a spike in cases of food poisoning and alcohol-related incidents during this period.

Tumwesigye advises moderation. “People tend to eat excessively during the holidays, ignoring how it will affect their health. Portion control and staying hydrated can help avoid these issues.” Tumwesigye also recommends balancing indulgence with some exercise, even if it’s just helping out with chores.

December in Uganda is a magical yet treacherous time. It’s filled with joy, love, and laughter—but also littered with financial traps, awkward family moments, and impulsive decisions. With a little planning, self-control, and wisdom, you can glide into January with your dignity, wallet, and sanity intact. After all, as the popular saying goes, “Don’t spend December like a boss only to enter January like an intern.”