Enjoying Shopping Without Spending $$$$
Each year we are shocked that Christmas is almost here and what- no money? Was this years date a surprise, ha ha ha. It seems silly but like most of us Christmas time seems to creep up and we find ourselves with out the cash to give all those delightfully expensive gifts we see on the “Oprah List”, shopping, on “QVC”, or the many adds that pile in the mail box.
I’ve traveled all around the world and some of the poorest places I’ve been- Peru being my favorite thus far has some of the poorest people in the world living there, yet the children are happy, content, and grateful for anything. They play with scraps of rubber, the make games with empty cans, they loved to be held by their mammas, and they laugh at anything that gets them out of chores and out doors. Take that in contrast to children today here in America with so much.
When is the last time you heard a child laugh just because they got to go outside, would you know of any child who could make a game out of any empty tin can and be content? My point is Christmas doesn’t have to be all about shopping for the right gift, the expensive gift, and or the latest trend that only you could find and give. The season is supposed to be about giving- the giving of yourself.
Say no to all the commercialism, good relationships aren’t built by packages but time spent together making memories, laughing, sharing in each others joys and dreams.
If you think just saying no is enough well it might not be, make a list of all the people you want to send holiday cheer to and think what would really make them happy- a homemade card, cookies, time alone, maybe there is a service you can provide such as babysitting their children for a couple of hours. Some people could use a little cleaning, especially at this time of year. Really do some research and find out what would bring your family and friends the most joy that doest cost money.
Big spenders often don’t have allot of time and the service ideas above may not fit in their schedule, if you are one of these types that is ok but may I suggest you still look for alternative ways to say Merry Christmas- perhaps a work lunch date, a singing gram by you and some friends. Go organic and send cards out of paper bags, send them a thought a day via email or text- the key is to let them know you really care by thinking of them.
Whatever your choice for gift giving this Christmas season or anytime of year really, always try to keep in mind that giving the latest gadget might be instant joy but in the long run do any of us really member what we received in Christmases past? Do you remember where you were or what you did? Answer these questions honestly and you now have a great guide line as to what or how to make your holidays special.
Get the help you need from a leading advocate with Social Service Coordinators, and start saving money today!
