'tis the season (again)

Author's note: On November 12, 2003, I wrote this while sitting in a Starbucks watching as they unpacked the Christmas decorations. Also, please note that while I use the word Christmas I don't mean to be focused on the one holiday -- it is just that seems to be the most predominate when I look around me -- I don't mean to leave out the commercialism that has also started to creep into Hannukah, Kwanza, or even the Winter Solstice. I have further edited and am posting it even earlier this year so there is time to take action.

It is alarming how the line of demarcation keeps being drawn further and further back with regards to the holidays. Last year it seemed like they waited until Halloween was over to put out the Christmas cards. This year, Santa and Rudolph mingled with the witches and Frankenstein monsters – fir trees in the pumpkin patch.

While I understand that the world has become more global, so if you want to send cards and packages overseas you need to make it down to the post office by the first week of December. Still, mid-October seems a little early for visions of sugarplums.

Hang onto your wallets, my friends. We are in for a tough sale AGAIN this year. With the economy barely recovering and the presidential election less than a year away (and you know what Bush Jr. is asking Santa for this year – hint – it is NOT a pony), be prepared for anything goes. But don’t buy it.

Explain how the terrorists win if you spend beyond your means and literally spend the next decade or more paying off the interest payments. It’s simple – they don’t. When families are forced to live paycheck to paycheck so they can keep up with the Jones, no one wins.

If you sit down and get kids to open up, they really don’t want (most) a new bike or the latest video game system. Children want to spend quality time (a little one-on-one) with Mom or Dad (or both). Remember that when the urge strikes to go over your budget – think about how many late nights you will need to spend at the office to pay for it.

That said, here are some ideas for a happy and fun yet non-pocketbook busting season:

• Set expectations. This is probably most important. Let your friends and family (including kids old enough to understand) you plan to do things a little different this year. Of course, be sure to share some of the highlights of the fun things you have planned instead, and let the excitement begin.

• Get creative. Grab your local paper or go on line and see what’s going on this season. Maybe tickets to the Nutcracker (there is lots of great community theatre out there) and make a night of it. Where are the best places to see the lights? Pack some hot cocoa and bring your camera. If you belong to a church or synagogue, investigate what activities they will be offering (midnight mass isn’t always at midnight). Also don’t forget your library. Chances are good there are flyers posted with music concerts, art making, and perhaps even caroling opportunities.

• Plan ahead. Sit down and mark out your plans, and make sure everyone in your family gets a copy. Remember that since you will not be shopping and running around like a crazy person, you will have time on your hands.

•Be spontaneous. Yes it goes against what I just suggested. But if the moment moves you to get away and fly to Paris, do it!

•Give gifts that come from the heart. If you would like to give a gift, here are so no-to-low cost ideas:

o Coupons. This was my Mom’s favorite and better received that you might think. Gifts of time (a day with you, baby-sitting, errand running, a week of your kid’s chores, etc.) are always appreciated. If appropriate, kisses and back rubs are nice too. Don’t forget to put expiration dates and if you like, make some redeemable for a particular time of year when you have more time/money.

o Use your talents. If you love to cook or knit or sew, the ideas are limitless. If you have a knack for music, put together a mix of your favorite songs.

o Donations. Give a gift to your favorite cause (or a cause the recipient believes in) in their name. Most organizations are happy to provide you with a card or letter for the recipient.

o Draw names. If you have a big family I have heard this works great. Everyone draws a name and has a limit is put on the amount spent. [If you don’t have a big family, but want to do something cool, go here: You need an Amazon wish list with something on it in the under $15 range (although you can have things higher too) I did it last year and that’s how I met Jeanine, my Secret Santa.

o Shop locally. Support your local artists at a holiday fair or family owned specialty shop in town. Challenge yourself to buy from only from companies who share your values.

o Use the Internet. If you want to buy a big-ticket item or a must-have toy, do a search on Google. See who is offering the best price. Also use Google (or other search engines to see if a particular retailer is offering free shipping or other specials). Click, click and you are done. Items can be shipped to your office to make things easier and keep from ruining the surprise.

oBe green. Wrapping paper, bows, fancy ribbons are beautiful, but will more than likely end up in the trash heap, not to mention, they pricey. Make your own wrap from newspaper or stamp old paper bags.

• Volunteer. Again, you should find some time opening up without all the rushing around or looking for parking at the mall. But just an FYI – soup kitchens usually have more people then they know what to do with on Christmas Day, so try to pick a day when people are needed and you and yours will feel more useful.

• Don’t be afraid to use wish lists. If you have generous family or friends who would like to get presents (especially for the little ones), it is perfectly fine to have a wish list. People who don’t have kids are often clueless what to get. That said, I wouldn’t necessarily advertise it, but if they ask, why not make it easy? And of course, if you do use one, keep it current. Save yourself the hassle of returns.

• Oh, and don’t forget “Buy Nothing Day”. Instead of going to the mall the Friday after Thanksgiving, resist the urge to spend money.

currently reading :: The Price of Privilege