How to NOT go into debt for Christmas

Why does our culture think we have to spend thousands of dollars or even hundreds of dollars to celebrate the birth of Jesus? Whatever the meaning of Christmas is to you, it is not an excuse to go into debt! All it takes is some foresight BEFORE Christmas Eve.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Brainstorming techniques
• Pencil and paper or
• Computer with word processor

1. Write down EVERYONE you wish to give gifts. Now evaluate if you really need to give EVERYONE you know gifts. You can probably cut the list down by half.
2. Try to remember gifts you received last year. Pretty hard to do, isn't it. I bet the ones you remember have something to do with your interests or activities that you enjoy. Try to brainstorm about hobbies or interests for all the people on your list. This might give you a clue to coming up with a special gift: scrap booking supplies to a crafter, or sheet music for a budding musician. Or give the gift of time! Offer to babysit for someone so they can have an afternoon or evening to do WHATEVER they want!!!! What a special, thoughtful gift!
3. Evaluate whether your friends and family would rather enjoy an activity WITH you instead of the latest widget. Most Grandparents would rather enjoy the pleasure of your company than some useless gift. What about a movie date at their house. When they redeem it, YOU rent the movie and you bring the snacks! This idea would work for many friends and family!
4. Another idea is to use what you have. Pictures of shared moments. My daughter gave me a priceless gift. She had a girlfriend enlarge freehand a favorite picture of my two children! What a priceless gift. She also has organized pictures for me and put them in collage frames. How about giving family heirlooms or antiques to the younger generation. That doesn't cost a dime!
5. What about young mothers giving each other a frozen casserole to be used on those busy days when drive-thru is about the only option. Offer to run errands, wash the car, do handyman/woman jobs around the house. Offer to teach someone about the computer, how to make a myspace page, how to set up skype. Use eHow to help all the people on your list.

Tips & Warnings

• Use eHow to help people on your list!
• Try to challenge yourself to think more about the individual, than the cost of the gift.
• Try to have an all cash Christmas!
• Do not go into debt for Christmas!