Surviving The Holidays With No Money

December carries a glow that’s almost magical.

It’s all bright lights, long-awaited reunions, travel, gifts, food, and the promise of joy.

For years we’ve been told that the festive season is a time of abundance and celebration.

But for many young people today, December has slowly become the most emotionally exhausting month of the year, especially when your pocket is empty and your spirit is tired.

This year was tough. Many young people battled job instability, income gaps, rising living costs, personal setbacks, failed plans, and emotional fatigue.

And when December arrives, instead of joy, many feel pressured to pretend they’re happy.

Social media amplifies this expectation.

You open Instagram or TikTok, and suddenly it looks like everyone is on vacation, wearing new clothes, attending the biggest festivals, or dining at luxurious places.

If you’re sitting at home because you simply cannot afford any of it, the contrast hits hard.

But what we rarely admit is this: A lot of those soft-life December posts are funded by overdrafts, debts, loans, or “we’ll deal with it in January” energy.

Many young people who appear to be living large are carrying burdens you never see.

Yet the pressure to keep up remains.

Being broke in December comes with its own kind of emotional weight.

While others are planning outings, you are calculating whether your taxi fare will last until payday.

While others are buying gifts, you’re checking if your electricity units can stretch to New Year’s Day.

And while families prepare feasts, some young people know they might only manage the basics.

You feel guilty for not contributing – embarrassed for not being able to afford the events your friends invite you to.

Awkward when relatives ask, “So what are your plans for Christmas?”, because the honest answer is, “Nothing.

I have no money.”

This is not spoken about enough, yet thousands of young people are living it.

It’s not just the money. It’s the exhaustion from a year of trying.

Many young people enter December mentally drained, spiritually empty, and emotionally stretched thin.

And when the world demands that you smile, dress up, show up, and celebrate, the internal conflict becomes overwhelming.

But here is the truth: You are not a failure

The ability to admit you don’t have money is not weakness; it’s honesty. And honesty is the first step toward peace.

December does not determine your worth. Your financial situation does not define your future. Your quiet December is not something to be ashamed of.

Surviving the holidays with no money doesn’t mean you must lock yourself away. It simply means redefining what December can look like for you.

Here are reminders:

1. Rest is free. And sometimes it’s exactly what you need. Sleep. Heal. Reflect. Allow yourself to be still without guilt.
2. Simplicity is underrated. Cooking at home, board games, stargazing, long walks, storytelling with family, these small moments carry deeper memories than expensive outings.
3. Connect, don’t perform. Call a friend. Visit family. Spend time with people who don’t measure your value according to your bank balance.
4. Protect your peace. Mute the noise literally and emotionally. Social media will survive without you for a few days.
5. Prepare for your comeback. Use the quiet time to plan. Reflect on what didn’t work this year, but also what you learned. You can re-enter the new year with clarity and intention.

RESET

Sometimes life forces us to slow down so we can rebuild ourselves properly.

A December without money is an opportunity to step out of the chaos and back into yourself. It’s a moment to breathe after a year that didn’t go as planned.

It’s a chance to rewrite your goals, adjust your expectations, and prepare for a fresh start.

And the truth is, you are not alone.

Even if this December is quiet, broke, and simple – you are surviving.

And sometimes survival is the most powerful victory of all.

– Delphina Muleke is a brand strategist, writer, and proofreader interested in youth matters.

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