Surviving Christmas: Are the Economy and Stress Effecting Your Christmas?

What is it about this time of year that makes everyone go so crazy? Is it the mad rush of last minute gift buying, spending more time with extended family members, or is it that we are so busy, period. Maybe it's just me, but, I feel as an American, sometimes the focus is on the "stuff" and not the actual experiences we have. What happened to running around in the snow and having a snowball fight with the neighbor kids? Does the fun have to stop when you are over 18? I think not! With these economic times, it may help us to focus on what really matters, that being, the people we love and contributing kindness to our community as a whole. So this year, especially, we should strive to work on surviving Christmas by "doing" a little more and being mindful of our consumer ways.

As for the people we love, we should spend more time doing things that all can enjoy. I recall making cookies with my mother, decorating the living room for the holidays or getting together with friends to sing carols around the neighborhood. Some of this may sound silly, but, those moments we recall from childhood, must have reasons for being memorable! Do you remember what you got for Christmas when you were 10? I bet you can recall events that you participated in or enjoyed a lot easier! I have a friend that decorates her house to the hilt and I doubt that her son will forget the emergence of Christmas in their household. So, maybe we cut back on the gifts, have a game night, sing karaoke, or work on a family album. Believe it or not, this may be more memorable than that new pair of socks.

Yes, I know, it is sort of, part of the holiday, all of the gift giving. I enjoy it, I'm not saying don't give any gifts at all. I think if we can cut back on the extraneous amounts of fluff, it may help the pocketbook, and even our sanity. One way to think of it is to give quality. I would much rather get one item I adore and will use, then thirty items that will collect dust somewhere. I know, what about helping the economy? There are other places your money could go to that I'll touch on in a little bit, if you feel you must spend that certain set limit of money for the season. My favorite thing about Christmas is when I can surprise someone with the gift they wanted but, didn't expect, and kids are so incredibly amazing when this happens in particular. Now, as a mother of an only child, with split sets of grandparents, it gets to the point that he opens one present and barely looks at it to move on to the next. This is not right! If only they could all just give him one thing or work together on a combination gift. I think this would help him with his fueled greed. Also, my sanity would be saved from trying to figure out where in the world is this stuff going to go? Monetarily speaking, this could help them also, as most grandparents are limited in means. Alas, I really can only control my own actions, right? I can wish to have a small influence, at the very least. Maybe, we can all make impact with our own actions.

If you must spend, then why not use it toward the purchase of products made in our own country, sold in your own community, or toward charitable causes. If we can buy American, I believe we can help our economy by hopefully helping to retain some of our own workforce. If we use local business, we will be helping our community members to strive in these hard times, and in effect be helping contribute to community services that our sales tax pays for, such as emergency services, roads and libraries. So many people are going without this year, due to recent layoffs, lack of available jobs & cutbacks in social services. Now, if any, is the time to extend ourselves to those in need. The really great thing is you don't have to have money to do this. Often, charities will take item donations. Why not clean out the closet, the kid's room, or the pantry, to help others. I also love to buy items that kick back to charity a percentage, it's a twofer! Actions reach far, many charities are in need of volunteers and are happy to have the help. Money works for sure, and a lot of times a charity has the ability to buy in bulk at a lower cost than the general public, so donating directly to an organization will certainly stretch your giving dollar.

Whatever you do this holiday season be aware of the impact you make, including the impact on yourself. Sometimes, it's best to reprioritize and give yourself a break, too. Carry on, this Christmas by giving quality, giving locally and remembering what matters most in your life.