You Don’t Have to Break the Bank at Christmas
Here we are again at Christmas and the shoppers are all moving quickly to find the right gift for the friends and family members. Credit cards are flying at every register. The bills will be rolling in by January and everyone will sit in amazement of what they spent at Christmas and end up paying for it until next November. Does this sound like you?
There are other things that you can do or give to others. The best present you can give is your presence. The best gift to give to your children is the gift of your time. I know they want to unwrap gifts and the latest toys, but cut back on some of those items and enjoy family time. Take them to the park. Take them for a bike ride. Spend quality time with them doing the things they love to do. Learn to play a video game with them. Talk to them about how you spent Christmas and other holidays as a child.
What about friends and other family members? Here are some suggestions for them: bake cookies, make fudge, or make them some homemade sugar or salt body scrub. It’s easy – just google it! You can also make up some coupons for things such as: One free holiday mess clean up; one free holiday pie; free babysitting; free dog sitting; meet for coffee or afternoon drinks. There are so many ways that won’t break the bank, you just need to get creative!
Instead of spending a tremendous amount on gifts, take that money and put it into savings or your 401K. There are so many other things that you can do with your hard-earned money. I’m not saying the kids don’t deserve a good Christmas and gifts. What I’m saying is maybe it’s time to stop “buying” our kids and start savoring the time with them. They grow too fast – trust me I know!
This year, let’s also teach our children the reason for the season. Jesus is the reason for the season. If you don’t know about Jesus, find a mentor or visit a church for Christmas Eve service. Learn something new before the year is over.
Here’s to hoping you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!