There’s a rule of 2 out of 3 that goes like this: of time, price, and exactly what you want, you can usually get two out of three. To get exactly what you want when you want it, you may have to pay more. To get the lowest price and exactly what you want, it may take time. And if you are in a hurry but can’t pay a large price, you may not get exactly what you want.
If money is tight this Christmas, then it is more important than ever to use time on your side. That means starting early. It may mean starting now!
But there’s one thing missing from the 2 out of 3 formula. And that ingredient is creativity. With a little creativity, we can all plan for a delightful, meaningful Christmas, even if our budget is a little tighter this year.
Here are some tips:
- Make gifts. Just beware that some handmade gifts actually cost more. Calculate the entire cost of your project including framing or accessories or finishing.
- Purchase gifts with a lasting value. How many gifts have hit the trashcan by New Year’s because the novelty wore off or the item broke or the item was used up?
- Calculate the number of paychecks between now and Christmas. Divide your spending evenly among these checks (do not count the paycheck before Thanksgiving – it has its own expenses).
- Plan free or nearly free activities and surprises.
- Emphasize what Christmas or Hanukkah means to you, whether that is music, time with family, or a religious observance.
When I was in Peru adopting our first child, a number of American and Canadian families were staying in the same hotel, all separated from loved ones at Christmas. No one had much money to spend considering the cost and unknown length of our adoption processes.
One couple found American candy bars and bought one for everyone else. Then they wrote a poem parody of The Night Before Christmas, featuring each of us. They snuck around the back stairs, secretly delivering their treats.
We all had a very delightful time, laughing and giggling like children. It’s always been a great reminder to me that holidays are as special as we care to make them.
How have you made Christmas or Hanukkah special? What plans do you have this year?
November 27th, 2009 at 6:49 am
I agree that Christmas is what we make of it. So many people I know seem disapointed by Christmas every year as if it is someone else’s responsibility to provide the feeling they are looking for. Not only is it up to each of us to find a way to make Christmas for ourselves and those around us, we can actually choose how we feel about it all. If we decide we are going to feel the joy, peace and love of the season, we will!