10 bright ideas for Bozzamas

They say that friends are the family you choose. There are those you met as a baby. The Bozzas from school or varsity, the ones you met at work or while working out. The list goes on and on. You jol and joke with them, cry and kuier with them. Now it’s time to celebrate with them! Plan an epic Bozzamas with these 10 bright and budget-friendly ideas:

1.     From starters to sweet stuff

What’s a party without great food? You could cook and share a meal together, or host a potjie party or bring and share, where each guest brings something for the meal. You could do just snacks or just starters or even just sweet stuff. Finger foods always go down well and are usually quick and easy to prepare. If no-one’s in a cooking mood, you can all contribute a set amount and buy pre-made snacks for the party. Add paper plates and party hats and you’re good to go!

2.     Virtual vibes

If you’ve got Bozzas around the country, around the world or even just around the corner and can’t get together in person, then get together online. Arrange a Zoom call or Google Meet. You can have loads of fun with different activities. Ever heard of a virtual escape room? It’s a thing! Work together to solve puzzles and ‘escape’ a themed online room. Then there’s a festive photo booth. Use virtual backgrounds or a photo booth app with festive props and filters. Create a collage to share with everyone at the end. There are loads more great activities online, so go take a look!

3.     Entertainment station

Is there a resident DJ in your Bozza group? Get them to create a themed playlist for the party or get everyone to contribute their favourite festive season songs to a group playlist. From music to movies. Movie marathon anyone? You can vote on a few favourite festive season films. Think Home Alone, Elf, The Grinch, Nightmare Before Christmas. In the mood for a rom-com? Think Love Actually and The Holiday. Set up a projector, put on the popcorn and chill. No projector? No problem, a TV works just as well!

4.     Acts of kindness

Make it the season of giving back. Decide on a charity or organisation close to your hearts and volunteer your time or donate money as a group. You can also do a group collection of items needed by a specific organisation and drop these off together. From children’s homes to animal shelters, there are countless organisations that need support, especially during the festive season.

5.     Shisanyama/Bring and braai

You don’t get more South African than this! Bring on the boerie, light the braai and get ready to chill hard. Again everyone can contribute something. Since meat and drinks may be the most expensive, a few people can contribute to those and others can bring things like potato salad, other sides and of course, dessert.

6.     Sip & Paint

If your Bozza group is into crafting, then this is an ideal way to celebrate. Get your creative juices flowing by making and painting tree decorations. You can make your own ornaments out of salt dough, add paint and glitter and you’re good to go. Pair your painting with a signature drink, which you can all make together. For the foodies, there’s baking and decorating festive-themed cookies.

Bright idea: pair this activity with acts of kindness and make meaningful gifts for an organisation of your choice.

7.     Savvy Secret Santa

You know this one right? Put names of all the friends in a hat, everyone picks one and buys a present for that person. Budgets may be tight this time of year, so think small and practical. A cute mug, a lip balm set, a scented candle, a funny key chain, a stress ball. You could also choose a theme for your Secret Santa. For example, the gift needs to be green or red, or a sweet festive treat.

Bright idea: make giving more meaningful, with a personal message. Create a gift tag for each friend to list 5 things they like most about the person they picked. These messages can be read out at the party, for feel-good festive vibes!

8.     Picnic in the park

Meet up, bring your picnic blankies and festive snacks and you’re sorted! There are many great parks around South Africa that are perfect for picnics. Each person can bring their own picnic basket or you can each bring something for everyone. Think sarmies, crisps, dried fruit and nuts, biltong, biscuits and something to sip on! Don’t forget a hat or cap, your sunnies and sunscreen. And if you’re going to a dog-friendly park, bring you pet pal along too!

9.     Sip on sundowners

Create a signature festive cocktail or mocktail for your Bozzas, and watch the beautiful South African sunset (fingers crossed no rain!). Whether it’s in the garden, on a balcony, patio or under the lapa, make sure you’ve got a good view. Snacks are always welcome so think popcorn, crisps, sweets and the like. And make sure you’ve all got a safe ride home. Designate a driver or order Uber/Bolt.

10.  Swap or thrift party

Each Bozza brings a few items of clothing that they no longer want, but are in good condition. Lay them all out and let everyone ‘shop’ for their favourite piece. You can throw in accessories like jewellery, handbags, sunglasses, watches and more. If you have children, you can bring kids clothes and accessories too.

Bright idea: this is another activity you can pair with acts of kindness, by donating the remaining items to relevant causes. 

There are so many ways to celebrate Bozzamas! We hope that we’ve inspired you with some of ours. Here’s to a fantastic festive season and a wonderful new year.

Budget is a licensed non-life insurer and financial services provider.