A soda at M.'s cafe.

Most of the men on the compound and in the neighborhood are just hanging out, text-messaging, and sitting on the side of the street,looking financially depleted, probably after splurging the last of their money on Christmas Day.

I am able to survive the holidays by setting aside several budget allocations--for Christmas Eve, for Christmas Day, for New Year's Eve, for New Year's Day, and for in-between days. Each allocation covers items such as food, necessities, children, self, and unforeseen expenses.

Never keep all of your money in one container.