John Adoyi
In Nigeria, we know December as Dirty December, a month of party madness. The spending spree kicks off with travelers rushing to their destinations; last-minute holiday shopping chaos; continues through parties and gatherings filled with suya and pepper soup, and ends with hangovers and empty bank accounts.
Every corner you enter in Nigeria in December is coloured with Afrobeat and Amapiano beats, endless fried and grilled chicken, hefty fish steaks, and flowing green bottles. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it feels like a well-deserved reward after a long year of hustling. But amid the rice, chicken, and party jollof, it’s easy to forget that the overspending can add up quickly. You’re attending multiple weddings, hosting gatherings, buying gifts, and traveling—and before you know it, your wallet is nearly empty. But don’t forget, after the festivities, you’ll still need money for January’s bills: school fees, foodstuff, rent, and transportation.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBy the time January arrives, the bottles and chicken are long gone, and party jollof is no longer the star of every event. We’re left facing the harsh reality of a long month. January is when we realize that while we were busy enjoying ourselves in December, life didn’t take a break. Bills must be paid. School fees need to be sorted. You still have to buy garri and rice for the house, not to mention the monthly transportation fare that always seems to rise. And then there’s the real kicker—waiting for that January salary that feels like it’s never coming. It feels as though the month stretches on for 365 days, and it’s hard not to wonder if all that party jollof was worth it.
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Here’s the thing: Dirty December is necessary. It’s a time to let loose, celebrate, and connect with friends and family. But as you enjoy the festivities, keep these simple tips in mind:
Budget Wisely: Set a limit on your spending before you become “dirty”. Enjoy the parties, but know when to say no to that extra bottle.
Save for January: Always set aside a portion of your income for the coming month. Do not become star boy of every event who buys the whole bar for his boys. School fees and foodstuff don’t magically appear after the celebrations end.
Look Out for Each Other: This is a time of joy, but also a time when people need to look out for one another. Check on family members, especially the elderly, and make sure no one is overindulging too much.
Don’t Drink and Drive: We all know that the festive season means more green bottles and palm wine, but please, don’t drink and drive. Plan ahead: use a designated driver, call a taxi, or order a ride. Do not impress anyone with your drinking skills. No celebration is worth putting your life or someone else’s at risk.
Keep It Simple: You don’t need to attend every event or buy the most expensive gifts. Do not become an “I just Got Back” because you want to impress the ladies. Focus on the time spent with loved ones, not the money spent. A simple gathering can be just as fulfilling as the extravagant ones.
Dirty December is essential. It’s a time for celebration, laughter, and connection. But as we dive into the festivities, let’s not lose sight of the reality that January will soon be here. It’s long, demanding, and often financially stressful.
So, enjoy this December to the fullest, but remember: a little caution goes a long way. Celebrate responsibly, keep an eye on your finances, and most importantly, look out for each other. After all, the true spirit of the season is not just in the jollof and chicken, but in the care and consideration we show to ourselves and those around us.
With all this in mind, you are free to dirty your December!
