It’s that time of year again. Our bellies are full and our wallets are on their way to being empty. Never fear, Christmas doesn’t have to be a time of stress. If you are tempted to feel overwhelmed during this time of year, take a deep breath and grab a piece of paper and a pen/pencil. Write down everyone you have to buy for including co-workers, teachers, neighbors and of course family. Next to each name, write the amount of money you can spend on them. [Even if it's only $5] Categorize your list into presents you have to ship, presents you have to hand-deliver and presents that will stay in your house for your immediate family. It is wise to shop for the “need to ship” items first and get those items wrapped, boxed and off to the post office before it gets too close to the actual day of Christmas. Lines are long this time of year at the post office. If you have a scale at home you can print your postage online. If you don’t, you can go after hours when only the Automated Postal Center is open. If your box is too big to fit in the parcel drop, return the next day and simply walk to the front of the line and set it on any open counter. [How easy is that!?!?] Once you have accomplished the task of wrapping and shipping those items get busy with your remaining list.
Do as much shopping as you can online to avoid traffic, lines and general stress and anxiety. For those hard to buy for people on your list, buy a gift card in the amount of your budget and put it inside a cute card with a simple note. Trust me, they would much rather receive something they can use, no matter the amount. For co-workers or neighbors with your smaller gift-buying budget a simple greeting card with a Starbucks or Barnes and Noble gift card will suffice. You could say something catchy in the card like “Thanks A Latte for being my friend” or “I enjoy working with you A Latte”. For the Barnes and Noble gift card you could say “I read your mind and got you this gift card”.
If you are more the Martha Stewart type you can bake them some pumpkin spice bread or fudge and put it in a decorative tin. Check out her website for great ideas on creative gift giving and more.
Creativity can take you a long way during this time of year. Remember it really is the thought that counts. Your friends, neighbors and co-workers don’t expect you to break the bank on buying them gifts.
When it comes to shopping for your spouse/significant other and your kids aquiring a list is a very smart thing. You want to buy at least one thing that they truly want this holiday season. Don’t forget to set a budget for each child and discuss with your spouse or significant other how much you want to spend so that you each have clear expectations of the season. If money is no object, then you should definitely splurge on your spouse or significant other!! I’m thinking diamonds and handbags for the ladies and electronics and tools for the guys.
Most of all this holiday season—have fun! Bake a little, laugh a lot and share the love!
