December is a great time to spend with friends and family but sometimes we forget what the holiday is all about. Frequently, our concerns are focused on checking off our list of presents we feel we have to buy, complaining about the long lines in the department stores. I’m not saying that our purchases during the season aren’t gifted with good intent, I’m just stating that much of what we buy to wrap up and put underneath the tree is unnecessary. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars later we are merely left with that feeling of “thank god that’s over” while we sweat over next month’s credit card statements.
It’s just not what Christmas is supposed be about so why not make real presents with our hearts instead of our wallets this season? Not only will they be appreciated more, they won’t leave you fumbling to make January’s mortgage payment. If you have little ones, you might really want to take this suggestion seriously. One day they’ll be making holiday preparations for their own families. Teaching them that Christmas isn’t about how much you spend early on is a life-long lesson that someday they’ll appreciate. You don’t have to be overly crafty or talented to make beautiful presents either.