Yesterday, I was talking about why spending tons of money on holiday gifts is just a trap that doesn't actually increase happiness and joy, but rather causes stress, debt and disappointment. But, how can you still celebrate the holidays without running into these problems? If you just decide not to give gifts, doesn't everyone feel somehow cheated or left out? Wouldn't the lack of gifts lessen the happiness and joy? Possibly. But, I am in no way suggesting that you don't give gifts this year.
What I am saying is that there is a difference between creating memories that last and giving in to the machine of commercialism and thinking that all we need to do is buy more stuff. A good life comes from doing things, not just having or buying things. Think back to your previous holiday experiences, and you will see that it is true. We get more joy from life experiences than we do from possessions. Wonderful memories don't expire, they don't break after a week, they don't have to be returned and don't take batteries. They aren't likely to lead to disappointment or regret in the same way that material good do. Experiences tend to be shared, recalled fondly and talked about over and over.
So, here are some gifts that can help you create memories rather than creating debt:
- Take your holiday savings and use it for a family vacation – Spending time with your family is what the holiday is all about, so rather than spending hundreds of dollars on each person, why not take a vacation together. There are many places online where you can get weekly rental information for houses and apartments in many cities and even other countries. Getting your whole family together to chip in to spend a week in Tuscany or on a Balinese beach or even somewhere closer to home, would be a great way to create memories and build family togetherness.
- Choose a family project, and get everyone to give gifts for the project – For example, maybe you have always wanted to turn your family room into a home theater room, or you have been wanting to build a deck for summer cookouts. Get everyone in the family to agree to the project, and give gifts that will help complete the goal. Building and doing things together can help families bond and will create something that will last.
- Draw names – If you have a large, extended family that gets together each year, consider drawing names and just buying one well thought out gift for one person.
- Shop together – You can't avoid shopping altogether, so when you go shopping, make it an adventure. Try not to get caught up in the crowds and frenzy, take your time and try to look for ways to have fun with your loved ones while you shop. Sometime, when shopping for presents, my daughter and I will stop for a cup of hot chocolate and admire the decorations. Making memories while you shop will give you more joy than fighting crowds and hurrying to get to the next sale.
Use your imagination and come up with the ways that work best for your family. Whatever you decide to do, just keep in mind that doing more always better than having more. What sort of satisfaction is there when you drive yourself crazy looking for the best deals, spend more than you can afford and end up disappointed and stressed in the end. Don't let yourself fall into the trap. And have a wonderful holiday filled with joy and love.
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By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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