Don't let money stop you from giving

By Ale Trie


We all know that during the holidays it can become the most stressful time of the year, but did you know that it doesn't have to be that way. It always amazes me when people say, "Oh no Christmas, it came so fast this year"....why, or better yet, how did it come any faster than the year before or the year before that, it's always the same on the calendar? Well people are busy and although Christmas does fall in December every month we don't think about the traditions, the gifts, the planning until the actual event draws near and that is why so many people are stressed out the last month of the year.

It would benefit us all if the country planed a little earlier for the holidays, just think, shopping lines would go down, you would have more time to shop for great discounts, and that special gift could be just that, a special, one-of-a-kind gift that you really put some thought into. I was behind a man just yesterday who impulse shopped at the checkout, and I quote; "Hey these would be nice, if she doesn't like it well I'll just keep it"...really sir, that sounds like so much thought went into her gift.

There are better ways to shop and truly give from the heart because this is a special time, a time when your friends and family should be at the top of your priority list it; Christmas only happens once a year you know. I know the clamor to get out there and shop can bring more of the scrooge out then holiday cheer so let me offer some tips that can make your gift giving more special while spreading the joy of the season.

Let's begin with what means the most to you? Are the simple acts of generosity, personal connection, and self-care your biggest joys, or is it the traditions and spending time with one another? Now ask yourself what would your partner answer- it she/he enjoys just having you around then big gifts are not the answer, bringing joy might be better served with some firelight, listening to music, going for an old-fashioned sleigh ride, taking a mini-driving vacation. Time alone with one another could bring more joy then anything wrapped underneath the tree.

Clear out your schedule and dedicate a whole weekend to spontaneous activities; when is the last time you went ice-skating, hot tubing, or better yet why not get a couple massage together, or simply see the lights of the city. If spending time together is not a luxury you usually have in your day-to-day busy life then receiving some personalized time might mean so much more, as well as memorable.

Make this season glorious, create some new traditions and do some of the old ones; sing laugh, enjoy a good movie together, play some good old games where you actually use a board and board pieces. Consider old favorites such as Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Poker, Boggle...to name a few. Busy yourself in the season of friends and family and create memories that will last a life time.




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