Rhonda Rabow’s Newsletter
10 Tips for Surviving the Christmas Holidays in this Economy
Now that the holidays are approaching, I often see clients, through e-mail, telecounselling, or in person, who express feeling stressed over the expectations regarding gift giving. Given our unstable economy, many people complain of their dilemma regarding their desire to be generous yet fearful of getting further in debt. It is for this reason, that I have compiled this list of things you can do over the holidays, which will bring joy and happiness to your loved ones, yet be very cost effective.
1. Create a budget for how much you will spend, and stick to it.
2. Make lists before going shopping. Prepare a list of people whom you have to buy gifts for and then set an amount that you want to spend on their gifts.
3. Instead of breaking the bank over Christmas dinner, why not have a potluck supper? This will save you a lot of money and your guests will be happy to contribute and proudly bring their favorite dishes.
4. Get decorations and paper plates and cutlery from the Dollar Store, instead of the more expensive party boutiques.
5. Gather a collage of pictures of your friends and place them in a photo album, showing how your friendships have evolved over the years. Give them this photo album as a gift that they will cherish for many years to come.
6. Create coupons on paper or cardboard and mark on them a service you are willing to give, as your present. This could be anything from a massage to walking your friend's dog, to making a dessert, or babysitting one evening - or any other service that a friend or relative would particularly appreciate.
7. Let your children choose amongst 3 or 4 possibilities for gifts and buy them their favorite one.
8. Volunteer some time at a food bank with your children or friends. It will allow them to "give back" to their community and it will raise their spirits. It will also give them a feeling of accomplishment and help them to appreciate what they already have.
9. If there are many couples in your circle of friends and family, consider giving a gift by couples, rather than individuals.
10. Instead of trying to find the perfect gift for your friends and family, you could also choose to write a letter of appreciation to each of them. You could tell them how their love and friendship has affected your life and how much they mean to you. This gift will be very much appreciated.
The importance of the holiday season is the opportunity for us to be with loved ones and able to express our affection and caring for each other. Let this challenging economy, rather than discouraging you and making you feel disappointed or sad, let it be an opportunity to start choosing gifts from the heart that will inspire your creativity and imagination. These tips are a beginning to get your creativity juices flowing, to lessen your feelings of stress, and help you to enjoy and appreciate the many gifts you have right now. Isn’t that really what is most important?
Recommended books and Readings -
From Panic to Power by Lucinda Bassett
Healing Grief by James Van Praagh
Rhonda Rabow’s Quote
Happiness
“Thought for the day. Work like you don’t need money, love like you/ve never been hurt, and dance like there’s no one watching. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift – that’s why it’s called the present! Live and savour every moment … this is not a dress rehearsal!”
Anonymous
Best wishes for all.
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