Spend less, enjoy family time more
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 20, 2006
The holidays are a time to come together with loved ones and celebrate the season. Many people go home to visit family or stay near friends.
The obsession with having to buy-buy-buy is overwhelming and can take the meaning and joyousness out of this festive season.
Checking off the people on your list, wrapping, tying with ribbon and then arriving to your holiday destination. Then you realize you&8217;ve forgotten to buy that body wash set for your boyfriend&8217;s brother&8217;s girlfriend.
Who do you stop shopping for? What will happen if you show up with a gift and they don&8217;t have one in return, or vice versa?
I believe that is a fact people worry about, but it should just be left alone.
Do not splurge on unnecessary gifts for those not immediate to you. I try to keep it simple and buy the &8220;good&8221; gifts for mom, dad, my brother and boyfriend.
If you are like me, and have a load of people not immediate to you that you will be accompanying this season, don&8217;t freak out and put your credit card over the limit.
Instead bake cookies, or decorate a picture frame. Simple gifts can mean the most and don&8217;t have to have triple dollar signs.
For those who are extra special and you want to show your love and appreciation, give your gift without expecting to receive.
Do not forget the season isn&8217;t about giving or receiving material possessions, but about being with the ones you love and making memories.
If possible, surround yourself with those that make you smile, regardless what is under the tree