by Gary Foreman
Are you dreading this holiday season? Especially with your
already overstressed budget? Don't despair! Controlling your
holiday expenses could actually mean a better holiday for you and
your family!
Begin by forgetting the bling. It's not about how many of the new
LED lights you can display. Rather take the time to enjoy the
decorations you already have. Show Junior the ornament that marks
his first Christmas and talk about what that holiday was like.
Move holiday communication into the 21st century. Christmas cards
and the 'annual report on the Jones family' are outdated and
expensive. Move to online communications. With the exception of
those who would be hurt by not getting a Christmas card (think
Granny), use email for your annual family update. Better still,
post a video on YouTube. It's more fun and does a better job
communicating.
Shift the focus from the food to family. If your family is used
to an overflowing table remove a few items from the menu. Add
some family fun in it's place. Passing around old family photos
during dinner can trigger wonderful family memories. Spend some
time after watching old family videos. If the highlight of your
family gathering is the food, you're missing the meaning of the
holidays.
Get real about gifts. Even kids can understand that fancy toys
are expensive. And, that family needs come before wants. If they
don't already know it, that lesson could be the most valuable
gift that you could give them. Besides, despite what they put on
their Christmas list, what kids really want is you. So take some
of that shopping time and spend it with them.
Party responsibly. If the purpose of your gathering is to show
off then this won't work for you. But, if you just want to enjoy
time with friends and family then entertaining shouldn't be a
problem. Ditch formality for casual. Instead of a lavish buffet
have a cookie exchange. Gather around the fireplace for some
eggnog. The sound of laughter in your home is the sign of a good
party.
Share with a needy family. There's something about helping others
that makes both you and the person you're helping feel better
about yourself. You may want to act anonymously so you don't
embarrass them. I know of families where one of the biggest parts
of the holiday season is deciding who to help and how they'll do
it.
So don't let a lack of money spoil your holidays. The very fact
that money is tight could be the spark that creates the best
holiday you've ever had!
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Gary Foreman is the editor of The Dollar Stretcher.com
http://www.stretcher.com/r/134.htm website and various enewsletters including Financial Independence. FI is a daily
message designed to help people take control of their financial
lives through achieving small daily goals. To find out more check
out the Financial Independence page
http://www.stretcher.com/financialindependence/declaration.cfm.