When the economy is tight and money feels scarce, celebrations are often the first things people question. Many ask whether Christmas and New Year still make sense when bills are overdue, jobs are uncertain, and daily life feels like a constant struggle. Yet, even in the hardest times, these celebrations continue to matter, perhaps now more than ever.
In difficult economic periods, people are often weighed down by stress, fear, and exhaustion. The festive season offers a rare pause, a moment to breathe, reflect, and remember that life is more than survival. It provides emotional relief in a year filled with pressure and uncertainty.
For families, these celebrations strengthen bonds. Sharing a simple meal, laughing together, attending church, or sitting around telling stories may seem small, but these moments create a sense of togetherness that money cannot buy. In tough times, unity becomes a form of wealth. Christmas reminds families that even when resources are limited, love, presence, and support are still abundant.
New Year celebrations, on the other hand, symbolize hope. They represent a fresh start, a chance to believe that tomorrow can be better than today. When the economy feels unforgiving, hope becomes essential. The New Year gives people permission to dream again, to set goals, and to imagine change. Without hope, hardship becomes unbearable.
There is also a cultural and spiritual significance that cannot be ignored. In Kenya and many parts of the world, Christmas is deeply rooted in faith, gratitude, and generosity. It encourages compassion, checking on neighbors, helping those in need, and sharing what little one has. Ironically, difficult times often bring out the strongest sense of community, as people look out for one another more intentionally.
Economically, the festive season also provides relief to small businesses. Informal traders, food vendors, transport operators, and artisans often rely on the December season to earn income. While spending may be modest, the circulation of money helps sustain livelihoods and keeps local economies moving, even during downturns.
In the end, Christmas and New Year matter because they restore something that hardship often takes away, humanity. They remind people to be grateful, to forgive, to reconnect, and to believe in better days ahead. Even when the economy is unforgiving, these celebrations keep the spirit alive, and sometimes, that spirit is exactly what people need to keep going.
