Financial Struggles At Christmas

Money is tight for so many this year – how do we make the holidays a good time if we can barely pay the bills?

Dear Financial Struggles At Christmas,

This year has been a financial struggle for a great many people.  The cost of food, utilities, housing, and other necessities of life are draining everyone’s bank accounts.  And finding extra work to help offset these costs also seems to be its own impossibility.

But we need to remember that this is not the first time society has had to weathered these financial lows.  In fact, the periods that have come before have sometimes been ever harder.  The lessons learned from these other seasons in our history are the ones we would be wise to remember this year.  They have taught us that the holiday season is often best enjoyed when the focus is on the quality of the experiences we share, rather than the quantity of gifts that we give.

(And for those who prefer a minimalist lifestyle, it’s a great reminder that experiences are clutter-free. They don’t add to the physical space but add a lot to emotional space, offering joy without the need to store or maintain anything.)

The holiday season is never better represented than through acts of generosity, imagination and heart-felt caring. When we put time and effort into the thought of what we want to give someone (to ensure it is special and significant to them on a very individual level), the caring and consideration that is in our heart gets conveyed through the gift to the person we care about.

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that cannot be contained by wrapping paper and bows – like acts of service, time shared together, or reminders of happy memories and past joys. And sometimes, the gifts that have a very low dollar value from the store are the ones that are treasured the most because of the time and effort that is also included – like home-made gifts, hand written notes or presents that come from weeks of paper routes or bottle collecting.

Experiences often leave deeper emotional impressions because they become a connection (to specific memories, stories, and feelings) that lasts longer – is felt repeatedly – and often touches more intensely than a physical gift that stands on its own.

Need some ideas about a different kind of gift to give this year?

Try giving someone a gift card for an experience that they would perhaps not otherwise be able to afford to do on their own – like a massage, a cooking class or a movie night.  Even better – make it a gift card for two – and spend quality time together with your loved one, to strengthen the relationship that you share.

Find free or lost cost classes (like dance classes, art workshops, or language lessons) for your friends to do as a group.  Active experiences are a fun-filled way for friends to explore and grow interests together.  Check out Metro Continuing Education or ELLA for some great class ideas.

Make a “coupon book” for things you know your loved one would appreciate. Tailor these coupons to the person’s personality and what they need most, whether it’s extra time to sleep in, help with a household project, or a day of not having to do certain tasks.

Create a memory jar/box.  Write down happy memories or things you appreciate the most about your loved one on small slips of paper and place them in a decorated jar or box.  You could also include funny moments, inside jokes, or quotes that remind you of them. They can read one each day and feel loved and appreciated.

Plan a special meal, bake some cookies, or make a favorite snack for your loved ones. Other people’s goodies always seem to taste better than our own, especially when there are no dishes that we have to clean up afterward!

Record yourself reading a story or sharing a personal message about what another person means to you. If they’re far away, you can send it to them, or you can create a playlist of videos or voice messages.

Build a “Self-Care” Kit.  Gather small items from around the house to create a cozy experience. Include tea bags, a blanket, a journal with a personal note, or items like a nail file and clippers for an at-home spa day.

Let your artsy side come alive.  Make a piece of art, like a drawing, a painted rock, or a DIY frame with a favorite picture.  Even if you’re not an artist, heartfelt creations like a handwritten poem, a collage, or even decorated letters can be incredibly special.

Find a cause you and your friends care about and volunteer together. Giving to others can be a powerful gift, and doing it with someone you love creates a lasting memory.  Find a local food bank, animal shelter, or community or senior’s organization that needs extra hands around the holidays.

Host a “Throwback” Day with the people you have known the longest.  Plan a day around nostalgic activities or themes, such as playing favorite board games, making a favorite childhood snack, or watching old family videos.  This type of activity can bring people together and give everyone a fun way to remember special times.

Spending time and thought on these ideas can make Christmas incredibly special, showing that the value of the holiday isn’t about money—it’s about showing love and creating memories together.

Take care!