Time really flies fast. It's like a joke that 2012 is almost over. As we are celebrating Christmas instead of wallowing in despair and self-pity, courtesy of the prevailing current economic woes, let's look at the bright side of life, and be grateful to God for the precious gift of life we enjoy.

Facing economic challenges due to multiple macro and micro economic factors as a nation and as individuals is not a curse, but a blessing in disguise. Challenges and threats provide us with the opportunities to devise new survival strategies and learn to re-adjust our lifestyles. There will always be years of years of prosperity and years of poverty.

Since we have been told time and again that life is too short to waste it on despair, worry, anger and animosity, Christmas Day should be an occasion for celebrations. It is a time for making peace with others and being at peace with ourselves.

Christmas is a wondrous time that we celebrate the greatest miracle of all the ages — God himself born amongst the people in a manger in Bethlehem. The birth of Jesus reminds us that joy will have the last word. Christmas is a symbol that joy, light and love came into the world so many years ago, and nothing, not even the grave, has the power to stop it.

While many Christians are worshipping God, others are holidaying, partying and attending many other social functions to rejuvenate friendship and other relationships.

There is nothing wrong in celebrating Christmas Day extravagantly but the reality is that those who decide to do so should be ready to face life challenges of January. It is important not to forget that within two weeks, it will be a time to start paying school fees, buying fertilisers and settling other financial obligations.

Commonsense demands that we should avoid the temptation of living beyond our means in the name of celebrating a single day. We ask you our dear readers to be frugal and responsible with your hard-earned finances.

We should hasten to say that being time for festivities, alcohol will today flow freely but when drinking, don't go to the extreme and allow alcohol-fuelled violence and accidents ruin Christmas celebrations.

As a media house, which cherishes your support, we have prepared a Christmas Day gift for you. Make a date with The Daily Times tomorrow and get your free edition of sister paper, The Business Times. That's our Christmas gift for you and your family.

We wish you happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.