Christmas: Basic and Simple

It makes me wonder when I recently visited a large shopping mall, are people really cutting back on purchases this year? Is it the gloom of the state of our economy, which has many families re-thinking their gift buying this Christmas? Typically, the majority of people seem to spend more than they can afford, especially if they’re buying for their children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents, or other relatives.

I really believe that with the current economic condition and what it shall be for the upcoming year, everyone needs to refocus and shop within their means. What people should do is to calculate what their expenses are and then from that, figure out a budget for Christmas gift shopping. Too many have used their credit cards or relied on other revenues to purchasing their gifts. We should all put our credit cards away and use available cash. Too many of us purchase by bulk so that the underneath of our Christmas tree is packed tightly with assorted gifts for everyone.

During this time of year, I frequently think of what it used to be like when I was a child and how we celebrated the Christmas Season. To me, the thought of giving of something special and personal would be more appreciated than something store bought. When I was a child growing up in a family of eight, most of my gifts were usually crafted because of the income my father and mother had. My father would craft toy boats out of wood for the boys and my mother would make dolls for the girls. Those were the good old days. Now in today’s market, economically we’re not much better off than my parents were and we should all try to cut back on our debt. I think everyone is hurting for money and maybe keeping Christmas basic and simple and foremost remembering the true meaning of this Christmas holiday would be helpful and less stressful. I have jotted down some past ideas for creating and even getting those inexpensive gifts, by creating gifts, and most importantly enjoying your time this Christmas season with the family.

1. Give the gift of time to family relationships. In previous years, our family would make up coupon books to give to each other. It was coupons that would say things like; take out to dinner, get a free back rub, clean the house, play at game night, etc. The coupons we made came from my wife, the children, and myself and personally meant a lot.
2. My wife used to make homemade items, like baked and no-bake cookies and other festive desserts, we printed photos, put them in a collage frame with a magnet for the refrigerator, the kids would always make some form of artwork to give to us or someone else.
3. If you have difficulty in deciding on a special gift, you could always contribute a small amount of available money to an organization in honor of someone close to you, i.e., Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled Veterans, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, or to any other organizations you care too.
4. We both come from a large family and would draw names. This way we only gave one gift to one person, but everyone received something.
5. Tell you family and relatives that you have set limits up front on what you do this year. Remember, if your children are old enough to understand, be as honest with them and let them know that you only have so much too spend.
6. Talk to your spouse and discuss what your limits are for each other. Several years ago my wife and I decided to stop spending on each other. Throughout the year if we need something we get it and when it comes time for Christmas, we find that each year we already have what we want and need. In doing so, we found we had a little more to spend on our children.
7. This year we decided to purchase gift cards in lieu of gifts. It seems that so many of our children and families have so much, it’s hard to buy something special that they need. In doing this we found that with a gift card, the grandchildren and our children can get what they really want.

Now back to the basics. I believe that everyone should remember and discuss with each other the true meaning of Christmas. When asked of a grandchild what Christmas was all about, she said, ” How many presents you get under the tree”.

1. Focus on and discuss the real meaning of Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ.
2. Focus on quality family time. Everyone could get into the car and take a drive around the town looking at all the beautiful light displays. You stay at home one evening and sit around the living room, pop some popcorn and watch a Christmas movie together. If you are fortunate enough to have a fireplace, you could sit around the fire and share your favorite Christmas memory or story.
3. Focus on practicing the giving rather than receiving rule. Your family may be able to help a needy family or a child you may know that will not have a Christmas. You could buy food or gifts for the family. If your children use their own money to buy things for another family, they’ll experience a real satisfaction that they actually did it themselves and help someone else, the giving rule.

I hope I’ve offered an idea or two that will make your holiday a little easier and less stressful.

Ron Lunn

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