It's Christmas time again. The holiday season is filled with a lot of excitement. There are holiday parties, vacations, gifts, family, friends and a whole more that makes us want to jump for joy. With a season like this, there is a high possibility that we will overspend and wake up the next year dreading our empty pockets and wondering where has all the money gone.
Let's face it, we don't have money like we used and with the recession continuing undeterred, our financial climate has taken a negative downturn. It's hard. We don't want to disappoint our loved ones nor do we want to become house mice but we are truly strapped. So what do we do?
Here are some simple ideas to help you save more and still have a great holiday.
1. Make a list and check it twice
We all have heard about Santa's infamous naughty or nice list, but do you have a list of your own? Make a list of who you will be buying gifts for this year and write down an idea of what you intend to purchase for each person. Think about the right things that won't break the bank too much but will definitely make your recipient very happy.
2. Jingle all the way
Nope not referring to the bells but to your money. Have you worked out your holiday budget? It's normally advised to have a fixed amount saved up for the holiday season and to stick to that amount rather than overspending during the festive season. Unfortunately, many of us still fail to do that and end up broke into the New Year. So if you haven't worked out the logistics of your budget yet, get it done a.s.a.p. It's simple, just write down a raw figure of what you currently have and what you expect to receive soon if you’re expecting any additional money and from that deduct presumed expenses such as gifts, outings with friends and anything else you may need to spend money on.
Warning: It's not always about the cost of a gift but rather the durability, estimated use and the long-lasting benefits. If you buy it today and it's destroyed tomorrow then it's essentially a waste of money. Therefore consider carefully when you are buying gifts. Cheap isn't always better.
3. All I want for Christmas is........
If you truly don't have the money to spend on gifts, then consider alternative gifts. How about you make your gift instead? No not the cards that we all made for our parents as children (though if you are very artistic this may work for you), but let's think outside the box here. Make a gift certificate for a nice at home spa that you set up and operate, cook dinner and give the usual person a day off or set up a picnic in the park. If you are artistic then do a picture, sculpture, poem, painting or whatever your craft, make jewelry, write and perform a song, bake a cake or muffins or brownies, and even make your own gift basket. There are so many ways to give for less; you just have to get a little creative. Think about it. It's not about the size of the gift but rather the size of the heart that gives it.
4. Jesus, born on this day
It's not all about the parties and frivolous outings, but Christmas is a season of appreciation and giving. Remember the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ Jesus who came to die for our sins. Go to church and praise his holy name. Forget the commercial aspect and do something charitable this year. There are probably things that you have that you no longer use and are in fairly good condition, how about you donate it to charity or better yet donate your time and make a difference in someone's life.
5. Have a holly jolly Christmas
Seek out adventure in the little things. You don’t always have to go to extravagant events to enjoy yourself, a simple movie Christmas dinner with your family, a movie night with friends, finding new inexpensive or free events to attend or even plan an exciting day trip. The most important thing is to enjoy time with those who matter most to you and enjoy their company into the new year.
All in all, the best advice is to focus on the best ways you can give without hurting your financial future.
Nuff Love,
Nella
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