Christmas Leftovers

 

That $1000 Christmas bill that showed up in January could keep on giving. Imagine being in a position to pay it off when it arrives; now, that is a true gift.

First, what do you value more than anything? For me that would be time with the people I love the most. Christmas is about many things, but the most important is sharing our love for each other.  This may not be family; it can be anyone.  My question to you is, of that $1000, how much did you spend out of love and how much out of obligation.

I can love my daughter with a $100 gift and time, or I can feel obliged to spend this or more because I have in the past and she expects it now. If you purchase a gift, purchase one that you can afford and that you know the person would like.  I could buy my daughter $100 perfume that I know she loves and wants but I cannot afford, or the $24 pair of merino wool socks that she will love and I can afford.  With the gift of wool socks, she is happy and I am not stressed.

There is another type of obligation that we face at this time; the gift we give because we must.  You have always given your sister a gift so you continue to do so.  You are now both in your 50’s and neither of you really needs anything.  It is so hard to find the right thing.  First, let her know that you are no longer giving her a Christmas gift.  If she lives out of town, then send her a very nice hand written card.  If she lives in town, then continue to spend the day together but skip the gift.

These are a couple of ways to help make those bills smaller.  Start now and save for this event all year round.   By saving just $50 per month, you will have $600 by next Christmas.  The hole you create in your budget at Christmas, will be smaller or none at all.