Christmas and the Economy of 2009

Christmas. The time of celebrating the most religious and commercial of holidays. Expectations arise and a mass of extra money is usually spent. Even with the poorest of the poor, nearly everyone in America celebrates Christmas by spending and celebrating. As a parent, brother, sister, church attendee, stranger, giver, etc..., you are not only required, but are truly uplifted by the fact that on this special occasion, a certain amount of time and money comes out of your being.

Until this year. Last year, more Americans spent less money on presents and food than predicted and more people received less than expected. The overall presents were fairly less expensive and fewer were passed out. Even in my personal stance at this joyous holiday, my eyes witnessed several families struggling like never before, asking for assistance as well as getting second jobs to even get by.

In 2009, it is predicted that this year will be far worse than last, with the unemployment benefits wearing out as well as the ever-so-failing economy rearing it's ugly head. Children are going to get the maximum of two presents on average, compared to the usually percentage rate of each child getting 5.5 presents during the last 20+ years.

If you are reading this now, the expectation that you are looking for help is recognized, so here are a few great tips to get you through this greatly strained-out holiday expectation.

1. Lay off on the lay-a-ways

If you have had problems in the past with lay-a-ways, it would be in your best interest to stay far away from them this year. Far too many people lost what money they had on lay-a-ways that went into default. There are only two entities who benefit from lay-a-ways. These consists of the stores themselves, with the fine-line rules you don't happen to see until it's too late; and people who have a great budget to who are greatly experienced at getting their lay-a-ways out in time. Remember, lay-a-ways do have a time line, and with the economy the way it is in this year of our lord 2009, you might get caught up giving away your deposit.

2. Making home-made Christmas tree ornaments

People love to shop. They especially love to buy Christmas decorations and ornaments. The average house spends a little over $112.00 a year on decorations, whether it's for the tree, house, or outside. For this year, try decorating the tree with some of nature's own. Some of the most beautiful trees these eyes have witnessed never had a light bulb or a store-bought ornament. Pine cones, berries, thistles, and flowers make beautiful decorations and go great with any tree, artificial or live.

Knowing what Christmas is really about

Knowing that you have another breath to take on this world is truly a blessing in itself. Just celebrating Christmas with family and being with friends should be enough, but if you don't want to have a guilty complex about not giving away anything for Christmas, try the following things:

1.Use what the good Lord gave you.
Know how to paint? Buy that someone special paint and go to their house to paint. Use your skills, whatever it is.

2. Go to church
The best story ever told is still being acted out on stage every year by most churches. This is absolutely free to watch and it would be a great time to get intimate with the big man while your at it, (you know the term "let go, let God").

3. Cook
Ahhhh. By far the best present I still get. Cooking is one of the essentials to love and warmth. Cook this year, (Make cookies while you're at it, the oven is still on, right?)

The list truly goes on and on. Make this year the best Christmas ever. work on planning out what you think might happen and get ready for it NOW! No one is gonna wait until you make the move. Remember, the main reason why we spent so much on things during the past years is because we were too lazy to look for bargains or do it ourselves. This year, the game is different. This year, it's time for you to get this christmas thing going.......like now.