The season of joy, celebration, and… SHOPPING is here! With carols floating through the air and sparkling lights on every corner, your inbox is probably already under attack from a flood of holiday deals:

“Christmas Bonanza! Buy 2, Get 1 Free!”
“Holiday Sales! Up to 50% Off!”
“Festive Giveaway! Don’t Miss Out!”

The offers are tempting, the urgency feels real, and the marketers might as well be sitting in your living room whispering discounts in your ear. But before you end up with three air fryers and a massage chair you never planned for, here are smart, sanity-saving tips to keep your holiday shopping intentional, budget-friendly, and drama-free.

Ask yourself these smart shopping questions: 

1. Do I Really Need This?

Before you add anything to your cart, ask if it solves a problem, fills a need, or genuinely adds value. If you can’t name one real reason you need it, it’s just a shiny distraction. Let it go.

2. Was It on My Christmas List?

Impulse purchases are the real thieves of December. If it wasn’t part of your plan, let it go. If it’s already on your list, fantastic! You’ve found a real deal. Otherwise, think twice.

3. Does It Fit My Budget?

If your budget says N50,000 and you’re eyeing something for N45,000, congratulations! You’re this close to gifting yourself financial stress. Set a clear budget for gifts, décor, food, and fun. If buying an item means touching money meant for the new year, let it go. Joy shouldn’t come with January regrets.

4. What Happens If I Don’t Buy It?

Will Christmas be ruined? Most likely not, unless it’s the very last chicken in the market, and you’ve promised your family a five-star feast with no room for Aunt Bola’s side-eye or Uncle Tunde’s lecture about how “Christmas isn’t Christmas without chicken on the jollof.” If not, relax. Let it go.

5. Is It a Rare Find or Just Hype?

“Limited edition” doesn’t always mean rare. Sometimes it just means someone sprinkled glitter on an ordinary item. If it’s truly unique, fine. If not, keep moving.

6. Am I Really Saving Money?

Let’s be honest: Spending N10,000 instead of N20,000 is not saving if you didn’t need the item. Buying a 30k shoe “because it’s on sale” doesn’t mean you saved N10k.  It means you lost 30k. Your bank account knows the truth. Flashy tags don’t mean value.

7. Am I Investing in Memories or Just Stuff?

Kids forget expensive toys quicker than you can say “Jack Robinson.” Instead of blowing your budget, think long-term. Imagine saying, “I didn’t buy that dollhouse, but I bought you shares in a tech company.” Now that’s a Christmas gift that grows.

In a nutshell, Christmas isn’t a competition. It’s not about maxing out your credit card or proving anything to anyone. It’s about love, laughter, intentional spending, and maybe one or two reasonable splurges.

Just don’t let December excitement turn into January regret. 

Meanwhile, this Christmas, make your gifts stand out with the power of stocks. ARM Securities is here to help you find the right investments for your loved ones and clients.

Call us today at 02012715002 or email us at enquiries@arm.com.ng to get started.