It’s that season of year again, and it’s supposed to be merry, bright, and joyful. But sometimes it’s not when you simply don’t have money. Especially if you have children who are counting on a “Merry Christmas”.
Sometimes we have to change our expectations and create a new normal. Prices have gone up. And yet, most aren’t being paid any more to be able to handle the burden. Don’t lose hope.
Christmas gifts- for parents and other close relatives/friends. They don’t have to be new. If you always had an expectation that you would spend a certain dollar amount on others, it’s ok to change that. Think about making homemade, thoughtful gifts for others. Maybe for your parents, you will offer to help them with a difficult project that would be tough for them physically. Whether this is housecleaning, work outside, or physical work projects in the home, figure out what would be most beneficial for them and feasible for you.
Christmas gifts- for kids. You are allowed to buy secondhand gifts. Many of us have done this. You are allowed to shop at Goodwill, Bargain Bin, Salvation Army, and Facebook Marketplace. You don’t have to get them everything on their list. If you normally stuff stockings, consider limiting what you put in there, and use Dollar Tree items.
Consider having a night at the start of the Christmas season, where you read them a book about what Christmas is really about. Incorporate some inexpensive but fun family traditions that they will be excited for. This could be Christmas movie nights with popcorn, making homemade Christmas decorations and treats, seeing Christmas lights, Advent countdowns and activities, game nights, playing Christmas music, and doing something nice for another family in need.
There are also programs like Christmas for Kids, or other ones too. If you didn’t get signed up, contact Hands of Hope Pregnancy Services or others who would be happy to help.
*Consider showing love to others in your life, by sending a thoughtful homemade card instead of a traditional gift.
*You are allowed to tell people No, if you simply can’t afford something. It’s ok.
*If you have abundance, try to think about how you can help others who may be struggling. If you like to initiate gift exchanges, try to see if you are putting anyone in a tight spot. Maybe you can reassure others that a gift in a certain situation is not necessary.
Do you remember hearing stories from your parents and grandparents about Christmas when they were little? Many were excited to get an orange and a popcorn ball. Did our generation become a little too entitled? Probably many of us have. And yet we can be flexible and adapt. It doesn’t have to cost us our Christmas spirit.
After all, Christmas is about celebrating Jesus, the best present of all. Being with family and friends, and being thankful for loved ones and blessings. And being generous with what we have been given. This doesn’t have to change. Maybe we need to be more intentional about living out what Christmas is really about.
Have a very Merry Christmas!