December in Nigeria is basically our national Olympics for enjoyment. Lagos turns into one giant LED notification. The temptations multiply. Even Lagos becomes louder, “Oblee, oncho,”. Parties start popping up like ads, concerts every two hours, brunches that somehow cost rent money. It is that season where one simple question starts dragging people out of their homes. The question is always the same, “Are we outside…?” and friends texting: “Wear something nice. We’re outside tonight.”
Even if your account balance is whispering “small small,” Lagos will be shouting OBLEE! OBLEE! OBLEE! in your ear. But here’s the plot twist: you can actually enjoy Detty December and still enter January without calculating your life like a mathematician solving further maths.
Let’s break it down.
1. Check Your Actual Money (Before You Mis-Oblee)
Before you follow the December noise, the first thing to do is look at your actual bank balance. Not your imagined balance. Not the balance your mind hopes to manifest. The real one.
December makes people forget the basic math of life, especially when the vibes are strong and your friends are already posting soft life content on their stories. Checking your money helps you anchor yourself before the season drags you around like a carry-go bag. You get a clearer sense of what you can afford and what you simply cannot touch for the sake of self preservation.
Once you understand your financial starting point, the pressure becomes easier to manage. You do not need to match anyone’s energy. You only need to match your reality. When you know the number you are working with, you gain control and avoid walking into January with regret disguised as enjoyment.
Read: How to Handle Holiday Peer Pressure Spending
2. Choose Your Level of Oblee (Seriously)
Once you know your money level, you can confidently decide your enjoyment level.
Lagos December has tiers and everyone must pick the tier that matches their pocket. There are people who operate on soft enjoyment, attending only a few chill events. There are medium level explorers who love a balanced mix of outside and inside. Then, there are premium fun runners who move from one concert to another like they are clocking attendance. Then there are the billionaire level people who seem to be at every event at the same time.
Most of us are not there.
Choosing your level reduces confusion and saves you from emotional spending. You stop trying to follow friends who operate with different budgets. You focus on your lane and enjoy it fully. This clarity protects your financial stability. It also protects your peace because nothing stings like waking up after a night out and realising you were playing on a budget you did not have.
3. Pick Your Events Intentionally
December events in Nigeria behave like they are in competition. Everywhere you turn, something new pops up. A concert here. A brunch party there. A rooftop gathering that somehow costs more than your monthly transport budget.
If you try to attend everything, you will wear yourself out and empty your wallet in record time. The trick is to pick your events with intention. Choose the ones that genuinely excite you and the ones that fit your level of enjoyment.
When you create a small must attend list, the noise becomes easier to ignore. You stop feeling pressured to show up everywhere. You also stop making last minute decisions that lead to unexpected spending.
Being intentional lets you enjoy December at your own pace. You feel lighter because you know exactly why you are attending each event. That clarity keeps you in control of both your energy and your money.
Read: Smart Ways to Celebrate December
4. Spend Smart or See Shege
The real December spending happens in the tiny details that do not look dangerous until they gather together.
Transport alone can swallow a quarter of your money if you move around without a plan. Carpooling reduces stress, especially on days when the surge price behaves like it has personal beef with your bank account. Choosing events that are close to each other also saves money and time. Sometimes the smartest move is simply picking venues that are easy to reach.
Gifts do not need to punish your finances. People appreciate thoughtfulness more than expensive guessing. A simple personalised item, a homemade treat or a small useful gift makes a bigger impact than the flashy things your budget cannot support. If you want to level up, you can even give service based gifts. Helping someone with their errands or prepping for travel counts as generosity.
When it comes to hangouts, choosing low cost activities keeps everyone happy. House gatherings, game nights and potluck meetups build memories without leaving people financially traumatised. You still get the laughter, the bonding and the holiday joy. You simply avoid the kind of bill that makes you reconsider all your life choices.
Yes, You Can Oblee on a Budget
December should not end with you staring at your January account balance like it betrayed you. You deserve enjoyment and you deserve stability. When you set clear limits, follow your own pace and stay aware of your money, December becomes sweet without turning chaotic. You move through the month with balance and confidence instead of panic and guilt.
Keep the fun. Keep the sense. And most importantly, keep the peace that comes with thoughtful spending. For more guides that help you navigate life, culture and growth with clarity, visit RefinedNG and stay plugged into content that elevates your everyday decisions.