Kenyans do not learn, and there is no guarantee that a time will come when they will accept the need to learn, more so when it comes to avoiding shopping traps during festivities.

With just days left before the Son of Man is finally born, any alert person can already feel that the mood has kicked in.

From overcrowding in malls to Nyama Choma zones, to fun parks, to endless traffic on our roads, it is clear that the festive rush has officially arrived.

During this period, supermarkets and other businesses know people are excited, distracted and willing to spend a little extra just to make the season feel complete.

This is the perfect time for them to use small tricks that look harmless but quietly drain pockets.

Many shoppers walk in with a simple list and walk out carrying bags they never planned for.

Here are some of the most common tricks that catch people every December.

Buy one, get one free

This offer sounds like a blessing from above, but the truth is often different.

Many times, the price placed on the item is already equal, almost equal or sometimes slightly higher than buying two on a normal day.

The word free makes the brain relax and assume a big win. Shoppers then pick items they did not need in the first place.

It is a gentle trap that works so well because people do not stop to compare prices during the festive rush.

Psychological shopping

Supermarkets are very smart with their arrangement. They know how the mind works.

Items like milk, bread, yoghurt and snacks are placed close to each other on purpose. For example, someone walks in to buy only two litres of milk.

The moment they reach the fridge, the yoghurt is right there looking tempting. Bread is also nearby, and so is margarine.

Before they know it, the basket already has three extra items. The setup is simple but very effective, especially when people shop while excited or hungry.

Shopping points pressure

Many supermarkets use reward points to hook shoppers. During festivities, they advertise bonus points loudly to attract crowds.

The funny part is that a huge number of shoppers never redeem these points or even check them. Yet they still buy more than planned just to earn them.

The pressure to collect points makes people overspend on things they do not need.

At the end of the season, most points expire quietly and do not bring any benefit.

Festive packaging

A normal product becomes very attractive once wrapped in bright Christmas colours.

Suddenly, biscuits, sweets, chocolates and even basic items look more special because of shiny ribbons and festive labels.

Many people end up paying extra for packaging that will be thrown away immediately after opening.

The product inside is often the same version sold cheaply before December.

Slow festive music

Most shoppers never notice this trick. Supermarkets play slow, calming holiday music during the season. Slow music makes people walk slowly and take more time inside.

The longer someone stays on the aisle, the higher the chance they will pick something they did not plan for. It is a silent technique that works quietly in the background.

Festive shopping will always be fun, but understanding these small tricks helps Kenyans protect their wallets.

The goal is to enjoy the season without waking up in January wondering where all the money went.

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