Isn’t this a gorgeous picture???
Mom’s Budget Files wrote an article yesterday about Christmas is On a Budget This Year. It got me thinking about this ‘economic crisis’ and Christmas.
Most people are on a budget this year. But, then again most people have a budget each year. This year, the budget has tightened strings. But to me, this is not particularily a bad thing. And this is why:
- We are only paying for Christmas with cash on hand and not racking up the credit cards. Hence, NO NEW DEBT
- It’s actually making me creative by providing gifts from ‘the heart’ – homebaked goods, crafted items, etc…
- I am not rushing to finish things. I can relax and spend Christmas as it should be. I can sit with my daughter to make paperchains or bake cookies.
- I do not feel guilty this year about not buying gifts for everyone, because we are all in the same situation. This actually takes off a lot of stress for me & the family
- Because of #2, we are actually able to truly enjoy being with family because they are family. It’s no surrounded with the ‘gimmies’, but instead with little bit of extra toppings to make a great dinner for some family and friends
- This ‘economic crisis’ actually instills many people, such as myself, to give to the community more and help out our fellows. I don’t see the negative in this.
- I actually see the opportunity of being in an ‘economic crisis’ and plan to make genuine warm felt Christmases a thing of norm for my family.
I feel like this time of hardship is bringing people back to our roots. Allowing us to recenter ourselves for the better.We are recentering to realize that non-material possessions actually rank in higher than the materialistic glitz -n- glam. I see communities taking action to help others. We are becoming close knit again. In the long run, I believe we are helping the smaller businesses and/or smaller positive ecofriendly processes survive as the big businesses dissolve.
Of course, these are my thoughts on the situation. I actually think the economic crisis has the definite potential to be a blessing in disguise.
What’s your take on the ‘economic situation’? Love to hear your thoughts.
Have a happy, happy weekend, y’all!
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I love this post and that picture and thanks for the link!
I agree with #4; so many people are in the same boat that no one is feeling guilty about not spending a lot.
I also agree with the fact that the pressure is off for material things and it leaves a lot more time to sit and enjoy the holidays with family.
I am making one of my gifts for my mom and I’m so excited about that. I’m als excited to be responsible for cooking our holiday dinner. Just having family around is what is most important.
I’m on the hunt for a great menu!
Happy Holidays!
What a great post. I agree that we are being forced to rethink the way we’ve abused this season in years past. Christmas has become such a commercialized holiday, a time for retailers to see huge profits and a time for consumers to do just that, consume their future income by charging trinkets and trash, all in the name of Christmas shopping. Oh boy, I digressed.
Okay, back to your post, great job! I too have come up with a few creative gift ideas this year.
Hi there-A good post and I too am not getting swept up with Christmas hype. I’ll buy what I can afford and thankfully I won’t be going into further debt for Christmas-I think this is a key point. Have a lovely weekend!
I feel the same way — I think everyone should get back to just a fun family Christmas without all of the spending… It just got way out of hand… that is not what it is about.
good read
Wonderful post!
We are also rethinking everything this year. My MIL, who usually goes completely overboard on everyone, agreed to a $50 swap. I was shocked, relieved, and thrilled that she was okay with it.
I’m making DD a handmade doll with a couple of outfits because I think things like this make holidays memorable for little ones; however, it’s been very tough keeping DH from going overboard. He wants her to wake up to a tree full of toys underneath. I’m fine splurging on her – especially if we don’t have to buy for the other 6+ people we usually spend $75+/ea on. And he agrees, no new debt! Actually, he’s always agreed with that at Christmas.
I agree with you. I really do think that this whole crisis will make quite a few people come to realize that it is not about material goods, but come to appreciate their family an living within their means.
budget mama: thanks for ridding of the guilt! feels good. I am also looking for a good menu, too. And found this in my email Roast Turkey with Spiced Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Stuffing on Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Microsite.
Ms. Money Chat: rethink, definitely. But totally not a bad thing! 😉
Sharon Rose: Amen! No new Christmas Debt. I don’t why in my gosh forsaken mind I enjoyed paying for Christmas time a year later in monthly payments. What was I thinking?!
jpkittie: totally way out of hand! And its hard not to want to keep up with the Joneses during Christmas. We would all love to splurge on everyone. But its definitely about fun family Christmas. And I couldn’t be enjoying it more!
Cent with Love: Yeah to the MIL! 🙂
Very creative with the handmade doll! That is something one can cherish for many many years!
Cheryl: And I don’t see the problem with living with your means. 😉
Plus, I could seriously do without alot of these materialistic stuff!
Y’all, I love ready all your comments. It’s really great to know that family is spotlighting the true importance of Christmas. Hope you are all having a great weekend. Remember while shopping: stay within your means!
i want to live there!!! full-time, every single day of my life 😉 freakin’ awesome.