by Hazel A.B. Javier
Does it sometimes feel like the holidays “take” your money away and then you are left with a lot of debt the following year? Don’t lose hope, we can have an enjoyable debt-free kind of Christmas season. Here are eight tips for us who want to give our loved ones the best they deserve but also need to pay our regular bills.
S-tewardship is key.
All our time, talents and treasures come from God and we are only “caretakers” of all these resources. As such, we have to be careful how we spend them. The Bible says those who can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much; those who are dishonest with little, will also be dishonest with much. The question is, “…if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11, NIV)
T-hink thoughtfully for each gift.
Don’t just grab an item and later assign it to whomever. The best gifts do not have to cost a lot. As much as possible, stick to a fixed budget per gift. Consider giving based on Gary Chapman’s book, “The 5 Love Languages,” like words of affirmation, service, quality time, physical touch and gifts. For example, your husband may feel most loved with quality time. Surprise him with a movie date night.
E-xchange-gift(s) only when necessary.
You don’t have to participate in every Kris Kringle or “Gift-exchange” if you are on a tight budget. It’s okay to participate in the happy celebrations and join the fun games instead.
W-in against spoilage.
If you’re gifting food, consider how much of that food item the receiver may also get from other friends. For potluck parties, make sure that you know how much food to prepare to avoid left-overs. A tip I got from Elaine St. James’ book, Simplify Your Christmas, is to “undereat” by having a simple meal on Christmas day. Serving less food on the noche buena table does not mean we’re not thankful for a good year.
A-dd a personal touch.
In the corporate world, customizing products or services is a big thing. We can make our family and friends feel special when we custom-make or add personal touches to our gifts before we give them away.
R-euse, upcycle, be as creative as you can be.
Instead of using expensive gift wrapping paper, use old calendars or newspapers. Add a bit of color with a yarn or a pretty bow.
D-ecide to buy ahead of the Christmas rush.
Spaghetti and fruit salads are common menu items, and their prices skyrocket come December so start buying grocery items before “ber” months begin.
S-implify.
Robinson and Staeheli said in the book they co-authored, Unplug the Christmas Machine, that we can have a simple yet meaningful Christmas. In our Christmas gift lists, let’s remember the people who truly need our gifts, expressing our love in more direct ways than gifts. We can choose holiday events that are reflective of our deepest values, all the while rededicating ourselves to our spiritual growth. Let’s ask, “How does all this spending bring value and enrichment to my relationship to others?”
Finally, let’s be good stewards, not only of the possessions we have, but of the great news of the birth of Christ our Savior.
