Before I started writing my entry, I had an interesting, but crucial conversation with my two daughters.

When I was entering into the conversation, I was not sure how the three of us would all walk out. One thing was sure though, one party was bound to be bruised and injured after the small chat.

The conversation was premised on the request and promises I had made earlier in the week. The girls, being the little girls they have been, said they wanted special new clothes for Christmas. I nodded to their request without hesitation since that has been the tradition.

But few days later, another side of my brain started tickling otherwise. Cognizance of the fact that in under 10 days, the same girls will be going back to school, I realised that we have an inevitable reason to spend again on the same individuals.

So, I applied a trick. Having recently graduated to secondary school, I needed to pamper them and make them feel big and all grown using the same factor. When the engagement started, I swiftly drew that part to their attention.

“You are now in secondary school, right? Do we have kids or babies in secondary school? The response from both was negative. Do you still believe you are in the age bracket where you should be getting Christmas dresses or we concentrate on your school needs? Their response gave me another edge too.

In the end, we made a consensus that we should skip the Christmas indulgences and direct the little we have for the school needs. Since it was a phone conversation, I was not sure of the reaction on their faces. But I wished them well for the season.

If there is one period when people are assured of endless partying and entertainment then it is during the festive season.

Using my 10 fingers I do not think I can manage to count all the events that have been lined up during this season. There is just excessive entertainment that fun lovers have to contend with during this period.

The mood and the general nature of this period naturally just brings out this season as the perfect one to attend a party here and there and indulge in everything that attains fun.

Most people are taking holidays from their daily preoccupations and they are in that resting and lazy mood. Travelling to various destinations is even preferred so is catching up with friends and family members you have not seen for long.

But the December partying comes with its costs that we all need to be wary of before we wholesomely step into those partying boots and fly away with the mood and general feeling that accompanies the season.

The long travels and excessive drinking means an extra risk of driving under the influence and mostly carelessly. The drink and drive conduct has another downside too. The danger of attracting that traffic offence is one we should all be on the lookout for.

You can never deliver the worst Christmas present than being denied time to spend with your family because you have been holed up in the cooler for drink and drive offences. That has the potential to sour any family’s festive mood.

The other negative side is the possibility of getting involved in an accident because one lost control of their judgment because they took one, two many. With the end of the year already smelling so close, I believe it is everybody’s wish to end the year and start the new one in one piece.

The partying comes with excessive and unplanned spending too. Such impulsive actions always has a way of reminding you how silly you acted somewhere along the way. It doesn’t even take long.

It is not wrong to have that periodical fun. Let us make merry and enjoy whatever comes with the season. But before that, like I did with Zena and Zikani (my daughters), let us ask ourselves if we are still in the bracket where we need a Christmas dress before we start off for that trip or organise that party.

Happy festive season to you all dear readers.

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