By: Jenifer Metzger
Christmas is a special time of year. The lights, the music, the decorations, the cookies, the movies, the cocoa, the gatherings, and the gifts, but far more important than any of that, the birth of the Savior of the world.
The beauty of Christmas brings joy to people all over, young and old. I love watching my kids at Christmas now as adults just as much as I did when they were children.
While Christmas time brings joy, it can also bring a burden financially if we aren't careful. Unfortunately, I've seen people take out loans for Christmas and even skip on paying a bill just to have Christmas money. In the long run, that hurts more than helps.
Here are a few tips for easing the financial burden.
Don't overdo it!
It is wonderful to give gifts at Christmas, but don't over do. Years ago my siblings and I decided that we wouldn't buy for all the nieces and nephews. All of our kids have plenty and are not in need of anything. Besides, spending time together is far more valuable. For our own kids, my husband and I stick to four gifts each, one on Christmas Eve which is always Christmas jammies, and on Christmas morning they get one semi large gift and two smaller gifts. (If that is still too much, cut it down more!)
Meaningful > Expensive
Give gifts that are meaningful rather than expensive. Rather than a dozen toys that will end up broken, lost, or forgotten by Valentine's Day, try something more meaningful. My husband is an incredible gift giver! One year he worked it out for me to visit a relative I thought I would never see again! That meant so much to me. Before my youngest sister married and had kids, she took all of the nieces and nephews for an entire night. They had an auntie and cousin sleepover and the rest of us had a night with our spouse. If there is a young adult out on their own, maybe pay a utility bill to lighten their load next month.
Save throughout the year
It may be too late for 2021, but (as soon as you finish shopping for 2021) start saving now for Christmas of 2022. Decide how much you would like to spend next year and divide it up over the weeks. For example, January through September has 39 weeks. If you want to spend $1500 next year on gifts, that would be $38 each week you could set aside. $38 a week is much easier than $1500 all at one time. Be consistent and don't dip into it throughout the year.
These are just a few ways to ease the financial burden at Christmas. What are other ways you have found to not break the bank when it comes to gift giving?
**********
We want to help with the financial burden this year so we have partnered with some amazing bloggers to bring you the 10th Annual Christmas Blessing Giveaway!
One blessed person will win $480 in Paypal cash! That cash can be used to help buy Christmas gifts, buy groceries, pay a bill, or whatever you want to do with it.
Thank you to our bloggers!
To enter to win, just complete each task in the rafflecopter below. The winner will be chosen at random by rafflecopter.com on December 14th and emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to respond claiming their blessing.
Rules:
No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. **Open to US/Canada residents only.** This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries, and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 12:01am EST on December 14, 2020. Winning entry will be verified. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.
No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. **Open to US/Canada residents only.** This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries, and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 12:01am EST on December 14, 2020. Winning entry will be verified. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.
It's time for Share A Link Wednesday! Each Wednesday we invite you to leave a link to your latest blog post in the comments. We still desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories.
How generous so many are in this gift. The advice given is information so many need all of the time. We need to walk with the Lord as we care for His generous gifts throughout the year as well as upon our every-day and for His gift of salvation. https://beingwoven.org/2021/12/05/he-hears-he-sees-he-speaks/
ReplyDelete