Yei Families Face January Pressure After Festive Season

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – As families move from the festive season into the New Year, many are facing what is being called “financial exhaustion.” On Monday’s edition of the Access Radio Breakfast Show, Reverend Lasuba Simon offered practical advice for coping with post-Christmas stress and financial pressure.

Reverend Simon, who is part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor of Emmanuel Christian University, spoke with hosts Johnson Poru, Hillary, and Vivian on strategies for maintaining family harmony and mental wellness after the holidays.

He explained that while Christmas is a joyous occasion to celebrate the birth of Christ, the way some families mark the season can create hardship.

“Christmas itself is not a bad thing; it is a celebration,” Reverend Simon said. “But the way we celebrate can bring problems. If you have three goats for breeding and you are forced to sell one just to buy clothes for children, that creates unnecessary pressure.”

Reverend Simon also spoke about the impact of financial stress on family relationships. He said that a strong family should not be shaken by the lack of material goods or festive meals.

“A family that is shaken by celebrations does not have a foundation. In Christian values, we live together in good times and bad. Couples should be united in everything – from finances to understanding household needs.”

He emphasised that many marital conflicts arise from a lack of pre-marital financial planning. Reverend Simon encouraged couples to avoid keeping separate accounts and secrets. Instead, he promoted transparency and shared financial responsibility.

For families struggling with debt or financial pressure after the holidays, Reverend Simon offered three key pieces of advice:

Open Communication: Families should sit down and honestly review their financial situation. “A family that talks together finds solutions,” he said.

Hard Work and Innovation: Money spent must be earned back. He encouraged families to find work or creative ways to meet immediate financial needs.

Prioritise Education: With the school term approaching, parents should focus on tuition and long-term needs rather than short-term festive spending.

Reverend Simon concluded with a reminder for cultural and spiritual resilience. He urged families to avoid comparing themselves to wealthier neighbours, saying this often leads to unnecessary stress.

“How can we spend what we do not have?” he asked. “If you sit down and realise there is nothing to spend, that is a good place to start. You will be happy because you will not be stressed by debt.”

Suggested Steps for Post Holiday Family Financial Planning