“A 5-Step Financial Survival Guide for the Holidays”

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas shopping season has official begun.  Just the thought of that scares me.  Don’t get me wrong, I love this time of year: the songs, the lights on people’s houses, and the cold cool slightly less warmer weather. It’s also the best time for a compulsive spender, like me, to be tempted.  This year I’m armed with a plan to stay within budget.

5-Step Financial Survival Guide for the Holidays:

1. Buy only things that people will really use and really enjoy. I typically buy lots of gifts for my kids.  This year, however, they are only getting a few items: ones they will love.  Over the past week or so I’ve been paying attention to the types of things they play with, as well as to the toys that are at the bottom of the toy bin and never see the light of day.  I’ll buy things in the same genre as the ones they currently like and skip the ones similar to toys they don’t play with now.
2. Break out the Beadazzler AKA make gifts for people.  For my in-laws, I’ll have my kids paint pictures on little tiny canvases.  It’ll mean a lot more to them, and it’s a lot cheaper.  The tiny little easels are also super cute!
3. Shop local businesses whenever it’s possible. Okay, so this one isn’t really about saving money, but it’s about the feeling associated with that money I already intend to spend.  I FEEL better when I know that I’m supporting a local toy store like Terra Toys vs. a chain.  There is something to be said about the cultural landscape these businesses help to create, and this holiday season, I pledge to shop local.
4. Make quality time a gift.  This year instead of buying individual gifts for each person in my close group of friends, we are planning a pot-luck dinner.  Our gifts to each other will be our shared experience that night–and all the residual giggles.
5. Celebrate the season. Remember that this time of year isn’t just about giving and receiving gifts.  It’s about cherishing your friends, family, and community.  Walk around your neighborhood to see all the lights, make homemade decorations like the old-school popcorn and cranberry garland, or *gasp* go to church.  Find some way to make the moment special and memorable.

Hopefully by following my five steps, I’ll have a holiday season full of warm, fuzzy feelings, special gifts, and a greater sense of community.

COMMENT: What are your plans for shopping this season?  Share some of your favorite local gift stores, too!

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