Our generosity is our strength but we must spend wisely this Christmas - expert

As Christmas draws near, I’m reminded of how special this time of year is for us as Pasifika people.

It is a season filled with faith, feasting, laughter, and the comfort of being surrounded by kainga, aiga, and loved ones.

It is also the time when our values of generosity, hospitality, service, and reciprocity shine the brightest. But if we are honest, it is also a time when many of us feel the pressure to give more than we can afford.

Whether it is church offerings, family kavengas, presents for the wider kainga, or end-of-year commitments to our community groups, December can quickly become one of the most financially overwhelming months.

I have seen too many Pasifika families start January carrying the stress of overspending, done with love and pride, but sometimes at the cost of our financial stability.

I am not saying we should stop being generous. Generosity is who we are. It is one of our most beautiful cultural strengths. But I am encouraging us to be wise with our giving so that we do not compromise our well-being, financially, emotionally, or mentally.

Vika Namoa is passionate about helping Pasifika families build financial stability and support one another. Photo/Supplied

For many of our Pasifika households, Christmas is more than a holiday. It is a full season of hosting, cooking, attending church programmes, giving gifts, and supporting multiple family circles.

What other communities might treat as optional spending often feels like an expectation for us. And with Pasifika families already facing higher living expenses and lower incomes, the pressure to meet these expectations can lead to maxed-out credit cards, unpaid bills, and borrowing from relatives or lenders with high interest rates.

That kind of stress can linger long after the Christmas lights come down.
And for those with children, the pressure does not stop in December. January arrives with its own set of big expenses, such as school uniforms, stationery, shoes, bags, lunches, and activity or sports fees.

In many cases, the cost of preparing for school can be even higher than
what we spend on Christmas itself. From past research findings, overspending in December hits hardest when families are trying to get their children ready for the new school year.

With the cost of living still affecting many in our communities, this is the time for us to shift from reactive giving to intentional giving. We can still honour our culture and our responsibilities, but in a way that protects our households in the long run.

A family gathers in a warm, welcoming living room, decorating a modest Christmas tree, capturing togetherness, culture, and simple, joyful giving. Photo/stockcake.com

Setting a clear budget and communicating it early can help manage expectations before commitments become too heavy. Not every event requires a big financial contribution.

Homemade gifts, shared meals, meaningful words, or group contributions can express just as much love as something expensive.

We can also make the most of the free Christmas events happening around Aotearoa, including concerts, festivals, children’s activities, and community gatherings hosted by churches, councils, and local groups.

NGOs and charities also offer free gifts, food parcels, and support for families who need it. There is absolutely no shame in accepting help. These
services exist because community matters, and support should be accessible for everyone.

We should also be very cautious with buy-now-pay-later schemes or high-interest loans. They may feel convenient during December, but by March, they can turn into heavy burdens.

And most importantly, planning for January is key. Putting aside even a small amount early on can make a huge difference when it is time to get our children ready for school.

That is not just budgeting. It is investing in our children’s futures.
Our Pasifika identity is rooted in collective strength and shared values. Part of that strength must include financial wisdom.

Protecting our families from unnecessary hardship does not take away from our culture. It strengthens it. Sustainable generosity ensures we can continue supporting those we love in meaningful ways.

As we gather this Christmas, whether at church, at family homes, or community centres, may we remember that the most important gifts we can offer are peace, presence, and stability.

Let this season be joyful, meaningful, and financially healthy for all our Pasifika families. ‘Ofa ketau ma’u ha kilisimasi fiefia, mo ha ta’u fo’ou monu’ia, pea ketau fakamole fakapotopoto foki.

Vika Namoa is a behavioural finance researcher and doctoral candidate in finance at Massey University. The views expressed here are hers and not PMN.