Remember that one holiday season when all of the shopping was done in early December, your to-do list was compact, concise, and full of crossed-off items; every person you exchanged gifts with got a little misty-eyed after opening their present, exclaiming, “How did you know?!”; and you still had enough money when it was all said and done for a massage and a head-turning
New Year’s Eve outfit? Oh, me neither. We might not have enough page space to talk about making all of the above a reality, but let’s discuss the money thing. Budgeting can be a challenging task anytime, but throw in the pressure of buying presents for family, friends, and the one who makes your heart go pitter-patter (whether they know it or not), and you’ve got yourself a good old-fashioned anxiety attack. Kidding! Here are a few ideas on how to allocate your resources and plan accordingly this December (even while you are watching TV, wondering out loud who actually buys a car as a gift for someone, and where they get those giant bows):
Compose a list of people for whom you’d like to buy a gift, and outline what you’d like to give them and how much it will cost. I know it can sometimes be hard figuring out what other people might want, but it is also hard aimlessly wandering around Ross Park Mall on Black Friday. By compiling a list up front, you can save yourself time and money.
Consider experiences instead of things. I’m sure this isn’t a new idea, but I think it’s under-utilized. Instead of a gift exchange with friends, have everyone bring an ingredient for a pan of lasagna to cook together (and if necessary, insert “booze” for “an ingredient,” “cocktail party” for “pan of lasagna,” and “remember forever” for “cook together”).
If you are happily paired with the love of your life, just tell them that you ARE the gift! If that doesn’t work, fall on your Plan B, which is great communication. Let’s be honest, talking about finances with your partner is sexy. Discuss spending limits and remember, they fell in love with you before you won that bid on eBay for a signed original copy of their favorite childhood book
(and you can use that idea if you want).
Instead of buying each other anything at all, what if you took a trip together after the holiday madness died down? You could start on that home renovation project you’ve been talking about, or pool your funds for a 2013 Arts Festival splurge item. The possibilities are endless!
Most importantly, really remember and believe that things don’t really matter when you take a look at the big picture. Christmas commercials and decorated storefronts would like to convince you otherwise, but we are too smart to fall for that old trick.
To summarize in one sentence, no one really buys anyone a car for Christmas. And to summarize with one more sentence, budgeting and planning before the holidays can take away a good portion of the stress created by our gift-giving world, affording you the opportunity to truly enjoy this time of year with those around you.
