How to Survive Spending Less on Christmas

The most exciting time of the year is here. Christmas! You can already feel the excitement in the air as you walk around in stores and make your way around town. Despite this incredible feeling, many people across the country have made the decision to spend less on Christmas this year. They could be working the way out of debt, saving up for a major purchase or trying to accomplish a number of other financial goals. Whatever the reason, if you are one of these people you may be wondering just how you can mentally survive such a decision. Here are just a few suggestions for surviving a 'Cut-back Christmas."

1. Focus on gifts that are inexpensive but come from the heart. Buying a gift does not always mean you have to spend lots of money. Of course if you listen to advertisers for Best Buy, Wal-Mart or Home Depot you might begin to think otherwise. The truth is there are a number of things you can people without spending lots of money. One of my favorite ideas is the Love or "I Owe You' coupon books. This is simply a booklet that you create that has coupons that you can give to a love one. The coupons could be for favors for a friend or jobs around the house for your wife. The list of possibilities is limitless. Most importantly it won't cost you anything besides the paper you use. You can even go on the internet and print out coupons from a template. This is just one idea. Do some research and learn to be creative. Usually it's the gifts that come from the heart, not the ones that cost the most, that people really remember!

2. Spend extra time with family and friends. Christmas is really a great time to spend with your family. Instead of complaining or feeling depressed about not being able to spend as much money, put that energy into your family. Plan activities with your family that don't involve lots of money. Spend some time exercising as a family. Play a board game with a group of family members. Spend the afternoon at a movie. Again the possibilities are limitless. You will feel good about spending time with loved ones and you won't have lots of time to worry about not having lots of money.

3. Focus on your goal. Hopefully if you are cutting back on your spending for Christmas, you are doing so for a reason. Maybe you are saving up for a purchase such as a car or a house. Maybe you are trying to get out of debt. Remind yourself of what your goal is. Think about how you are going to feel once you accomplish your goal. Think of the reward that will come when you meet this goal. Sometimes simply thinking about why you are cutting back, is all you need to do to keep yourself

4. Plan for next Christmas. This idea goes along with tip number three(focus on your goal). Make plans for all the things you plan to do next year when Christmas rolls around. Remember that if you accomplish your goal you will be in position to do more next year. If you get out of debt you will have more money to spend. If you make your purchase you will have the money you would save to spend. Make a list of all the things you will do next year and all the things you will buy after you meet your goal. It will help you stay positive while spending less.

5. Remind yourself of the 'true' meaning of Christmas. Ultimately Christmas is not about gifts. If should be about celebrating the birth of Christ. Remember this as you work your way threw a 'Cut-Back' Christmas. Also remember there are lots of ways to give to others without spending lots of money!