Time to Spare a Thought

Christmas carols and seasonal jingles streamed in-store at retailers over past weeks have ushered in a festive mood and enticed more spending.

In great anticipation, retailers have been awaiting the festive season’s arrival.

With reports of consumer spending being below budget, it has been a tough year for most.

Although the retail sector has reported moderate growth this year, now is the time for a push to ensure the budgeted target is achieved.

From early November, shops were already adorned with Christmas trees and attractive decorations.

Over the past weeks, space was set aside for Father Christmas to pose for photos with children.

For most, Christmas is a time to spend, consume and over-indulge.

We spoil the children, our loved ones, and the extended family.

We even spend more on ourselves than usual, setting worries aside until January, as we conveniently ignore the nasty financial consequences that result from excessive spending.

Cash-loan providers, as loan sharks nowadays politely refer to themselves, are waiting for a bumper time, which historically is January every new year.

They know what the consequences of unbudgeted for expenditures are and will happily extend payday loans for school uniforms and other basic needs.

This weekend, many Namibians will embark on their annual trek north, south, east or west to spend time with family and friends.

During their stay they will be making a significant contribution towards the well-being of local economies.

During the fun and enjoyment, we must pause to spare a thought for those less fortunate than ourselves – the sick, aged, infirm, homeless, distressed and many for whom Christmas is just going to be another day.

More Namibians than we think don’t have a regular income, receive financial support from family members, or depend on a social grant or an old-age pension.

Over the coming days, before becoming totally consumed by the festivities associated with the season, try to explore where those less fortunate are, and then find a way to bring a little cheer to their lives.

They may be closer than you think and could even be just a 15-minute drive away, living in an informal settlement or an institution under the care of a social service or community-based organisation.

By sharing a little something of what you have with those in need you will experience the joy of giving.

While sparing a thought for others, think of those who, by the nature of their work, will be on duty when others are on holiday and celebrating.

They include the uniformed services, police and traffic officers, fire brigade, emergency services personnel – doctors, nurses, and support staff such as paramedics and ambulance drivers.

When you encounter any of them during your travels over this holiday period or at a roadblock, take a moment to recognise and thank them for executing their duties and responsibilities, so that you and others are safe.

Do take a moment, in the spirit of Christmas, to experience the joy of giving to the less fortunate, and to acknowledge and thank those who keep us safe and out of harm’s way.

Enjoy your well-deserved break, take care, act responsibly, and stay safe.

– Danny Meyer is reachable at danny@smecompete.com

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