We have entered the holiday season, now that we are practically on top of Thanksgiving, and my understanding is that there's no going back.
But not to worry!
Here are some things to remember.
(Okay, I need to remember these things, so I thought I would share my holiday TO DO and NOT DO list with you... in hopes that you might need to remember these things too.)
1. PURPOSEFUL GIVING
Determine NOW what causes you want to give to and about how much you'd like to give. Make a list. Everyone and their brother, sister and step-grandmother are going to be asking you for money. How do you know when to say yes, no or how much? By prioritizing what is most important to you over the next few weeks (i.e. the holidays.) And if it's a great cause you're wanting to give to but you happen to not have a trust fund handy, mark a date in March- several weeks and pay periods later- to revisit making an investment of time and/or money. And sometimes that feels better than just telling someone "no."
2. MONEY
But wait, there's more to say about money!
Oh, Man...
The gifts. Yeah, the gifts. Again, thinking in advance about what you'd like to spend- and sticking to it- does help. Lists are key here as well. Writing your intentions down in advance for the gifts you want to give is a beautiful thing.
But what if you aren't a planner? What if planning makes you a very grumpy snowman? Here's a thought: just manage expectations as you buy. Stick to your promise to not overspend on gifts and put less pressure on yourself when selecting the "best-ever" present. What about giving an experience like making someone dinner? Or what about a gift card for a reasonable amount tucked inside a fun little card that has been handmade by you, a local artisan or your little Rembrandt in diapers? Just a thought.
3. FORGET THE DEALS
Deals might be more about you than the recipient. Do they really want your great deal on a wok if they hate to cook? It doesn't matter if Macy's took twelve of your coupons on Black Friday, taking it down from $59.99 to $3.99 plus tax, it's still useless to those who care not for woks. Plus it took a lot of your precious holiday time and effort using all of those coupons. (Take it from me: I tried going to Macy's once on Black Friday with coupons and shudder at the experience.)
But how about knock-offs? As their name indicates, knock-offs aren't the real thing. Nor are "steals" on Craig's List or Ebay. For example, one year my husband and I were trying to be clever and thrifty and got a great deal on an American Girl Doll from Craig's List. However, as my husband and I discovered, there is usually a reason these dolls are being sold for less. So if you happen to be in the market for an AGD here'rs our recommendation: if you believe the recipient might want a doll who's head stays on, you may want to pay the retail price on the (gulp!) actual website. It would've saved us a ton of time and energy had we just gone the regular route.
4. PERFECT SCHMERFECT
Do NOT, I say, do NOT, be a perfectionist. The funniest holiday movies are based on the ridiculous notion that there exists a so-called Perfect Holiday, when no one fights, every dinner is perfect, and homes practically decorate themselves in magazine-worthy splendor. I'm sure there are some families who have that fortune, but I try to avoid hanging around them lest I feel less-than merry and bright.
5. HUSH
I say, let's try for a hushed holiday season, as opposed to a rushed one. Be selective about what you want to spend your time doing. And if there are fewer jam-packed days, let little moments of fun linger, allow quiet time to last longer and permit yourself to laugh as much as possible. Play a game with friends and/or family for the sole purpose of having a good time. (I know, that's deep, right?) A game that has no real point is always good in my book.
And speaking of books, take time to read books and watch movies that make you reflect, chuckle or just remember what's important to you. Plenty of people want to tell you what should be important to you, but what are your priorities? What is most valuable to you?
I'll tell you what I most value this time of year: quiet time.
It's priceless.
