The season of joy, celebration, and… SHOPPING is here! From carol melodies in the air to sparkling lights on every corner, your inbox and email are probably already under siege from a flood of holiday deals:

“Christmas Bonanza! Buy 2, Get 1 Free!”
“Holiday Sales! Up to 50% Off!”
“Festive Giveaways ! Limited Time Offer!”

The offers are tempting, the deals seem like a once-in-a-lifetime something, and the urgency is real. It’s almost as if the marketers are in your living room, whispering discounts and sweet nothings. Well, before you end up with three air fryers and a massage chair you didn’t plan for, here are some tips to keep your holiday shopping smart, budget-friendly, and, well… sane.

Ask Yourself These Smart Shopping Questions

• Do I Really Need This?
  Before adding anything to your cart, think about whether the item solves a problem, fills a need, or brings value to you or your loved ones. If you can’t name a solid reason for the purchase, then just a shiny distraction. Let it go!
   
• Was It on My Christmas List?
  If you didn’t plan for it, let it go. Make sure you have a list, and if the item is already part of your planned purchases, go ahead—it’s a genuine deal. Otherwise, think twice before splurging. 
  
  
• Does It Fit My Budget?
  If your budget says N50,000 and the item costs N45,000, congratulations! You’ve just gifted yourself financial anxiety. To avoid that, set a clear budget for gifts, decors, and other purchases, and ensure every spend aligns with your set budget. Additionally, If buying that extra gadget or outfit means dipping into funds meant for the new year, let it go. The joy of Christmas doesn’t have to come with a January regret. 
  
  
• What Happens If I Don’t Buy It?
  Will skipping this purchase ruin Christmas? Unless it’s the very last chicken in the market, and you’ve promised your family a five-star buffet, and are also determined to avoid Aunt Bola’s disapproving side-eye or Uncle Tunde’s inevitable lecture on how “Christmas isn’t Christmas without chicken on the jollof”, the answer is probably NO. Let it go.  
  
  
• Is It a Rare find or Just Hyped?
  That “limited edition” tag doesn’t always mean it’s rare. Sometimes it just means they slapped glitter on it. If it’s genuinely unique, okay. If not, walk away.
   
• Am I Really Saving Money?
  Let’s get one thing straight: Spending N10,000 instead of N20,000 isn’t saving money, if you didn’t need the item in the first place. Spending 30k on shoe you don’t need simply because it’s on sales, doesn’t mean you’ve saved money. Rather, YOU JUST LOST 30K. and your bank balance knows the truth.. Don’t be swayed by flashy tags—know the value of what you’re buying.
  
  
•  Am I Investing in Memories or Just Stuff?

  Let’s face it, your kids will probably forget about that 50k toy faster than you can say, Jack Robinson. Instead of blowing your budget, think long-term. Why not invest that 50k in stocks? Imagine telling your kids, “I didn’t buy that doll house, but I bought you shares in a tech company!” Now that’s a legacy.
  
   In the end, Christmas isn’t about maxing out your credit card; it’s about love, laughter, and maybe one or two reasonable splurges. Just don’t let your holiday spirit turn into buyer’s remorse when January comes.