Holiday Hangover
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” – Pierre Corneille
Last night, I finished my Christmas shopping. Jeanine and I set a limit on what we wanted to spend on each other this year. It might sound terribly unromantic (discussing spending limits) but actually I find that living within our means can be quite passionate. Communication is key.
At Kiplinger’s, Erin Burt writes that, “Discussing gift expectations with friends and family needn’t be awkward. If you’re feeling the pressure, chances are others feel the same way. They’ll probably be relieved to cut back on their shopping too.”
“Avoid going into debt by evaluating the number of gifts you buy and setting some guidelines. For example, your family, roommates or co-workers could draw names so you each shop for one person. Or set a dollar limit on gifts so you don't feel uncomfortable when you give a $15 gift and get a $50 one in return. Consider giving group gifts -- instead of buying separate presents for your brother, his wife and their three kids, give them a game, movie or snack basket they can enjoy together.”
There is so much pressure this time of year. “As the holidays approach, they are getting more desperate, and suddenly things that cost more than they were willing to spend start looking reasonable,” reports Keith Matheny at The Desert Sun. Sidebar: Hmmm, that’s interesting… people are still spending money in Palm Springs. Imagine that.
“There’s a huge emotional component to spending on gifts. Gift-buyers want to express love and generosity.” But isn’t this a superficial expression of love? Jeanine and I always want to exchange gifts, but we need to keep it in line with our broader financial goals. It’s so easy to throw caution to the wind when it comes to romance, but where will that lead. I learned this lesson with my previous relationship. Instead, practicality pays.
With holidays, gifts are just the beginning of the expenses. Back to Kiplinger’s… “Gift-giving may be the focus of the season, but it comprises only 37% of the average holiday budget. Don’t overlook the expense of travel, entertainment, decorations, shipping, greeting cards and postage.” All these items add up and can create havoc on December expenditures and be the cause of the proverbial holiday hangover.
Last night, I finished my Christmas shopping. Jeanine and I set a limit on what we wanted to spend on each other this year. It might sound terribly unromantic (discussing spending limits) but actually I find that living within our means can be quite passionate. Communication is key.
At Kiplinger’s, Erin Burt writes that, “Discussing gift expectations with friends and family needn’t be awkward. If you’re feeling the pressure, chances are others feel the same way. They’ll probably be relieved to cut back on their shopping too.”
“Avoid going into debt by evaluating the number of gifts you buy and setting some guidelines. For example, your family, roommates or co-workers could draw names so you each shop for one person. Or set a dollar limit on gifts so you don't feel uncomfortable when you give a $15 gift and get a $50 one in return. Consider giving group gifts -- instead of buying separate presents for your brother, his wife and their three kids, give them a game, movie or snack basket they can enjoy together.”
There is so much pressure this time of year. “As the holidays approach, they are getting more desperate, and suddenly things that cost more than they were willing to spend start looking reasonable,” reports Keith Matheny at The Desert Sun. Sidebar: Hmmm, that’s interesting… people are still spending money in Palm Springs. Imagine that.
“There’s a huge emotional component to spending on gifts. Gift-buyers want to express love and generosity.” But isn’t this a superficial expression of love? Jeanine and I always want to exchange gifts, but we need to keep it in line with our broader financial goals. It’s so easy to throw caution to the wind when it comes to romance, but where will that lead. I learned this lesson with my previous relationship. Instead, practicality pays.
With holidays, gifts are just the beginning of the expenses. Back to Kiplinger’s… “Gift-giving may be the focus of the season, but it comprises only 37% of the average holiday budget. Don’t overlook the expense of travel, entertainment, decorations, shipping, greeting cards and postage.” All these items add up and can create havoc on December expenditures and be the cause of the proverbial holiday hangover.
posted by Nina Smith at 6:21 AM
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