Holiday Traditions- Part II
Don’t get me wrong, I do understand that to keep our businesses running we need to patronize those places. Of course there are those friends or family members that we are compelled to buy gifts for and I’m not so out of touch with reality or unrealistic to understand this. Although being responsible and realistic about the presents given and to whom this year can and will affect you throughout the coming year and possible years long after the holidays have past once more. Make yourself a list of friends and family you feel compelled to gift. Then study your finances and come up with a budget and STICK TO IT! There are downloadable apps for your phones or computers to help keep you on track, some even alerting you of the things on your wish list, as they go on sale. If you see your list of people you wish to buy for has overridden your budget, don’t up the budget, downsize the gift list! Reevaluate your list and instead of buying individual gifts for your sister, brother-in-law and their three kids, find a board game that they can share as a family, or only purchase items for the children. I’m sure your sister won’t think less of you! If you have a large family of sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts, draw names this year when you’re all together and each person is responsible for one gift and everyone gets a gift! Instead of buying store bought items for your colleagues, children’s teachers and babysitters, bake some homemade cookies or jellies and present them in pretty packaging and beautiful jars with ribbons! I guess what I’m suggesting isn’t anything new or things that we haven’t heard before, but I hope what will be new are the DOING part! Take the pressure off of yourselves and friends and family. Be the leader and not the follower, start a new tradition and I guarantee your heart and lives will be so much more full than any of the other “traditions” of the past! And remember, if the only gift you ever give in your entire life is saying, “thank you”, it will be enough.
