10 Ways to Emotionally Separate From the “I Have to Have It” Holidays
Lisa | Nov 28, 2008 | Comments 6
Lots of Christmas presents = Love in the good old USA.
Or so all those massive million dollar marketing campaigns would have me believe. And now there’s the added guilt of “helping keep the economy going.” What really ticks me off is the latest Bernanke brainchild - easing credit for consumers - mostly so we can charge more this Christmas.
Here’s a novel concept for both me and the US Government - No New Debt.
Debt is bad for all but those collecting the interest. I’m not spending more money than I have. Will it kill me? It will wound me - but I’ll make it through. I’m a product of our society, after all.
The US government is increasing our National Debt exponentially, while giving us tax rebates. Now that will kill me. What are they, one beer short of a six-pack?
I’m fighting back.
Here’s 10 ways I’m going to re-think Christmas -
and save money and be a little green doing it.
- I’m changing my attitude about Christmas frugality. Here’s my new mantra: Christmas is dead. Long live Christmas.
- My spouse and I are going to donate money to our local food pantry rather than buy each other gifts.
- Donate time to my local food pantry.
- Shop smart. Make lists. Ask what people want. Buy gift cards with discounts if you don’t know what they want, and buy on line.
- Be practical. If someone likes the movies, I’ll buy them movie tickets. Chances are they’ll be going soon, and will appreciate the gift. Buy Savings Bonds for nieces and nephews. ( Not that our government is the safest place to invest right now….)
- Splurge a little on something inexpensive but luxurious. Some ideas: Manicures, massages, concert/theater/sports event tickets, gourmet coffee and chocolate, a good bottle of wine.
- Use saved newspapers for wrapping paper.
- Cook in rather than going out.
- Do things for people. Dog-sit for someone traveling over the holidays. Offer to shovel their driveway, or take care of their plants. Offer up a night - or if I’m brave, a weekend - of babysitting.
- Make gifts. I’m not knitting toilet tissue covers, but I have canned some apple butter and apple sauce that will make nice gifts.
What’s up for you these holidays? Is this stuff frenzy getting old to you, too? Is money tight? Or do you enjoy it, is it status quo?
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Filed Under: Free • Frugal Living
Linda
The Passive Dad
J. Money
Matt
Mr. GoTo
I like your Christmas gift ideas. A few years ago, my family agreed to no more gifts at Xmas. It was crazy trying to buy gifts for everyone, often ones that they didn’t need or want. Now, the holidays are so much more relaxed. More time for visiting and enjoying each other’s company, which is they way it should be. I want to do more volunteering this year, too. Any suggestions?
Using newspaper for wrapping paper? This is the first time I have heard of this. How would it look on a present? May be I will try this out to save money on gift wrapper. I too really like to be obligated to buy gifts to everyone but my problem is there are a lot of kids in the family. I can’t really bring myself to tell them that they will not get a Christmas gift this year because, well, I am changing the traditions. It’s too cruel for them even though giving them gifts. I WILL figure out a way to make everyone (and my wallet) happy.
There are some give without giving ideas at dailygreen.com. The kind of ideas where you make a contribution in that person’s name, and they will get the paperwork saying so. Like to buy a heifer for a family, or goats, like the person getting the gift of helping out another across the world. With the newspaper, I am going to use the cartoons, for the kids. Someone who is into sports, you can use the sports pages. For the single out looking, the classified sections. I have been getting xmas school supplies for the kids in my family, and get extras for kids in town who won’t be getting a lot in their stocking. I get extras from sales, and donate them to the banquet, than they can make them into gifts for people living on the streets and shelters. There are websites to send stuff to the troops. Even though I am into being frugal, it is important to me to share what I have…not into keeping with the Joneses. Great post.