How the Recession Gives You an Opportunity to Create New Traditions During the Holidays

So many families are dreading the holidays this year. They just don't have the money to spend on their holiday traditions as they have in the past. Having the family over for Thanksgiving costs a fortune but they expect it because you have done it forever. And you don't want to disappoint your kids and have Santa not stop at your house. So, what are you going to do? You are going to become creative, think outside the box, get a positive attitude, and make some major changes. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Download Skype

Skype is a free program (www.skype.com/download) that allows you to speak to someone anywhere in the country for free. And, with a small computer camera, you can also see them. If you can't be together for Thanksgiving you can still have dinner together if you take the computer into the dining room. You can get a camera for as little as $19.00 if you hunt around the discount stores. And most cameras have a mic attached. Not only will you be able to be together for Thanksgiving but Grandma and Grandpa can be there on Christmas morning at see the gifts being open. And when it isn't a holiday and you need to connect to your family they will be there for you. It's totally free no matter how long the call may be. A small investment will give big returns as it helps you keep in touch when you can't afford the calls or you can't afford to travel.

A Different Thanksgiving Dinner

You know that people volunteer at shelters and soup kitchens and hospitals but it's just not for you. Maybe this year you need to rethink that. Thanksgiving dinner is usually very expensive to prepare. If you can't find that money this year then don't make the dinner. Get out of the house for Thanksgiving and help someone. You will realize that there are folks who are far worse off then you. It will be a life changing experience for you and your kids and you'll get a free meal too. It may not be your idea of a great Thanksgiving but if you've never tried it now may be the time to do so. If you accept the fact the circumstances force you to make changes in your life and not all change is bad you can do this, see it as a once in a lifetime experience and enjoy the change.

A Different Christmas Morning

Is your child going to die if he doesn't get the latest video game? Or is the lesson learned from having made a promise of a new phone which you cannot keep because you just can't afford it now such a terrible lesson to learn? You hate to disappoint your family and it's eating you up inside. You feel like a failure and you're considering robbing a bank. You need to stop that thinking right now. People survive disappointment. Make some new traditions. And here is your change to do that. Let's call it "The Family Shuffle". Most of the time your kids want something that belongs to you. Your daughter borrows your blouse all the time. Your son can't keep his hands off your fishing pole. This year shuffle those belongings. Everyone gives something they already own to someone they know wants it. You daughter hates to clean her room. Give her your cleaning services for two weeks. Make a list of the things you have fought over - curfews, using the car, how they dress, anything. Then give that as a gift. They just might appreciate being allowed to stay out an extra two hours a few times more than the gift you might have purchased. And don't spend a lot of money on wrapping paper. Write down the gift on a piece of paper, put it in a box and wrap it with an old pillowcase. It will still look chic. Most people have sheets and towels in their linen closet that they haven't used in years. The most exclusive stores wrap in fabric. So can you. Old clothes may have ribbon or fancy buttons. Be imaginative and creative. Look around your house. You have everything you need right there to make Christmas wonderful. It will just be different.

Your Attitude is Everything

Either you focus on the bad or appreciate the good. Your attitude will infuse your family with holiday cheer or dismal despair. Be a role model for your family. Think positively, create new traditions, appreciate that you have each other. Oh, and don't forget to turn on Skype and let the relatives be there for Christmas too.