Here’s a peek into our team’s Detty December budget
I’ve written several Detty December articles over the years, and one thing rings true: it takes money to make plans happen. Whether you’re partying outside, hosting friends at home, or hiding away for some peace, December has a way of testing your wallet. It’s the month when your budget meets your fear of missing out, and you’re constantly juggling the desire to enjoy yourself while balancing the reality of your bank balance.
This is the month when discipline meets desire, and where budgets try — sometimes unsuccessfully — to coexist with joy.
To understand how people are approaching this wonderfully chaotic season, I spoke with members of the Marie Claire Nigeria team about their December spending plans. Their answers were honest, humorous, and refreshingly relatable. Here is what they shared with me.
Patricia
Patricia is aiming for a balanced festive season with a ₦500,000 budget, most of which she plans to dedicate to gifts. However, the real story is that everything threatens that budget.
“There are so many temptations,” she confessed. “Pop-ups, Christmas parties, concerts, dinners with friends and family.”
She does have a holiday-specific budget, but her confidence level is very low. In fact, she already knows she’ll overspend. Still, she is hopeful that spending time with family will be at the heart of her December, even if the budget stretches a little beyond her intention.
Ashim
Ashim is keeping things simple with a ₦50,000 budget and a clear mission. When I asked how she plans to use it, she said most of it is going toward gifts for family and relatives. “There’s always a new baby every year,” she laughed.
She’s also travelling to the village soon and believes it will help her stay within her budget. “I wouldn’t even be required to move a lot,” she said, sounding genuinely relieved.
Her only anticipated challenge is discovering family members she “didn’t plan for,” but overall, she expects to spend less than usual.
Eniola
Eniola is entering December with a ₦1 million budget and a clear plan to prioritise enjoyment. Food and groceries will take up the largest share because, as he puts it, “I intend to enjoy life and spend my money. I’ve been hustling too hard all year long, so I deserve this.”
He hasn’t set a separate holiday budget and does not feel particularly confident about sticking to the one he has. The biggest threat to his discipline? “My friends. We can make bad decisions very fast.” But somehow, he hopes for a balance between saving and spending.
Chinazam
With a budget of ₦200,000, Chinazam is preparing to spend the month outside experiencing culture and creativity. Fashion pop-ups, art exhibitions, literary salons, goth parties, concerts… she’s touching all the corners of culture.
Her biggest allocation is gifts, and she is already stressed about it. “Gifts are expensive these days,” she said. “I can actually make gift boxes at home… but I will still have to fill the boxes, so that is inescapable.”
She expects fuel costs, traffic, and delayed deliveries to challenge her, but somehow she is still convinced she will save.
Esther
Esther approached December with pure intentionality. Her budget is ₦100,000, mostly for food and groceries, and she is determined not to exceed it.
For a calm, meaningful month, she says, “I plan to rest well, eat well, and spend time with the people I love,” she told me. That includes attending events with her boyfriend and soaking in joy after a long year.
Her challenges are the harsh reality of the season. “Things won’t just be expensive this season but overpriced,” she said. She’s also anticipating the black tax. Still, she hopes she can save something and absolutely refuses to download loan apps in January.
Keno
Keno is embracing a more spontaneous December with no set budget at all. She is entering the month with a pure vibes approach. Her spending will probably lean toward events, but nothing is formally mapped out.
“It’s all about spending time with my friends and loved ones,” she said. “Whatever comes up at the moment.”
Her only real concern is the high transport cost, but she expects to spend as usual. No panic or pressure.
Oyindamola
For December, I’m giving myself an unlimited budget. I’ve been saving for this month since January, so I fully intend to indulge without guilt. Most of my spending will go toward food, groceries and a few personal treats. In fact, I can already see a 28-inch deep wave wig in my future, and it makes me smile.
I’ll be spending the holidays away from Lagos because, honestly, the city gets too crowded for my liking and I crave peace and quiet. I don’t anticipate any financial challenges this season. I’ve planned ahead, my account balance is comfortable, and I’m ready to indulge.
I know I’ll overspend, but that’s exactly what I’ve been preparing for. December is my time to rest deeply, eat well and treat myself the way I deserve.
December is for joy, chaos and a little delusion
If one thing is clear, it’s that the team is entering December with a mix of hope, humour, and financial improvisation. Budgets exist, but so do friends, family, fun, traffic, black tax, and temptingly fine things. Whether we save, overspend, or simply survive, one thing is certain: everyone is determined to enjoy the month in their own way. And honestly, that is the most “December” thing ever.
Read also: These five pop-up stores are the perfect place to start picking out gifts for the holiday season
