You didn’t think I had just fallen off the face of the Earth, did you? I took some weeks off as my schedules got packed from about a month ago, and it sure does feel good to be back! I shall be here twice a month, at the beginning and at the end of it; that’s a fair deal, wouldn’t you say?
How did we get here? December, already!! Feels like we sneezed and by the time we opened our eyes the year is ending. What a year it has been! I’m sure you have heard of how financially challenging it has been for us (adults); I met some students a couple of weeks ago who said they, too, could feel the pinch of the economic hardship Ghana was experiencing. How so, I asked? The value of snacks they used to buy at school had doubled while their allowances they get from their parents remained same, they opined. If that isn’t about the truth for us adults too, I pondered. Prices of every item have doubled, or trebled in some cases, while our income remained same almost throughout the period. How have we survived it; one may wonder? Well, I know in my household we have been adjusting to the times in practical ways. We cut out on eating out and reduced our social outings to twice a month, for instance. While these measures didn’t necessarily save us money, they ensured we lived through these trying times.
As Christmas approaches, we plan to welcome the festive season as frugally as is possible. We love Christmas so much for what it represents – religiously and socially. At the end of twelve months, we get some of the longest holidays to just spend with those we love, bond over a good movie, or dine as one big family. It also is a time to give gifts; now, I always have opted to be a very thoughtful gift giver. I love to give (and receive too, lol!) gifts that are useful and practical while not breaking the bank, especially at this time of the year! So, I thought to share some of my gift ideas and sources that you could suggest to your parents for this – and probably every other – season. And what I love about my gift sources is that you can work with your own budget, so we keep body and soul together, so to speak.
- Bath and body: one of my fave products to use and gift is Naya’s line of bath and body care. From refreshing shower gels to luxuriant body oils and scrubs, one is spoilt for choice. Go to nayabyafrica.com and see for yourself.
- Accessories for life: KUA’s range of handbags, cross-body bags, earrings, cuffs and necklaces would make the perfect gift for just about everyone in the family. Head to kuadesigns.com let’s know what you think.
- Christmas foodies: If like me, your parents prefer to order the family Christmas foodies like cakes, chips, pan seared duck, roast pork (did I just hear your tummy growl?), then mangoandwheat.com is where they should be looking to get them from.
- Hair accessories: Christmas time is when African women doll-up the most, and a gift of hair accessories is a timeless gift. Check out @awokonadu.accessories on IG for the most intricate handmade hair accessories ever.
- Books: you didn’t see this coming, huh? Books as presents, you ask? Books are the gift that literally keep on giving. Book lovers will take a book any day, occasion, or time of the year. What I love about @booksenroute on IG is the e-voucher option they offer, and not to talk about the many and very current Black authors they stock. You know what I want for Christmas, right?
Did you notice my theme? It’s all made-in-Ghana and Ghana suppliers that I listed; plus, I have personally used, purchased and consumed everything I have shared with you here. Talk about a list of a few of my favourite things…tehe-tehe-tehehehehehehe!! So this December – oh and that’s not sounded as DeZember, there’s no ‘z’ in it, lol!) – remember we need to keep the gift giving Ghanaian, timely and thoughtful. Pass on my suggestions to your family members who ask -or don’t ask- for gift ideas and let’s all have a very Merry Christmas the Ghanaian way. From my household to yours, Afihyia Pa’oooooooooooooo xoxo!
