If You Remember One Thing This Christmas, Remember This
The weeks leading up to Christmas can be a trying time for the would be frugal saver. We are pressured to spend now more than any other time of the year. We've got family coming to visit or we're booking trips to visit others. It takes a lot out of us all to keep our personal finances from flying off the rails in a flurry of Christmas eats and treats. There's one thing you mustn't forget and you mustn't skimp out on this Christmas though and that's enjoying Christmas.
Remember What It's All About
This Christmas season has been an especially busy one for my wife and me. We've been busy with our preparations for our soon-to-arrive first child. We're rushing to complete some much needed home renovations. Family and friends are coming to see us for Christmas and to see the newest member of our family. With all the shopping, sorting, cleaning and planning it has been tough to find any time to enjoy this wonderful time in our lives. Sometimes it can even make things down right stressful.
So over then next few days I'm going to be making a conscious effort to enjoy the whole experience. I'm going to keep reminding myself that:
- It's exciting to finally be getting these renovations finished.
- That it'll be nice to spend some time with family and friends.
- And, most of all, it'll be wonderful to finally meet our baby!
This is what life is all about: living! Sometimes Christmas has a way of overwhelming you if you aren't careful. Live in the present and enjoy the whole experience - even when things seem a bit overwhelming. Just remember that you'll never get this time back, so enjoy it!
Take A Few Minutes
Just try to take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and remember why you've been saving money and looking for ways to improve your life. We all want life to be a happy experience. So remember to schedule some time to be happy. If you are tired or if you aren't feeling very happy then just try forcing yourself to smile. Smiling has a wonderful way of stirring up those good feelings that we've been working so hard to get.
So where ever you happen to be, whether you are driving, sitting, waiting or walking, take a minute to smile. Forget about how much you've spent. Forget about what to make for Christmas dinner. Forget about your last minute shopping. Forget the stress of whatever you've still got to get finished - at least for a minute or two. Take some time to be happy before you miss your chance.
Enjoy yourself this Christmas. I hope it's a happy one for you, your friends and your family.
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Comments
I agree- it IS overwhelming
I agree- it IS overwhelming and difficult to stick to a budget, at any time of the year, especially now. Just this morning, I found myself spending $20.00 (not the end of the world, but still, $$ that I had not planned on spending) on a Simpson's movie DVD that my 8 year old was clamoring for (early X-mas gift and it kept him entertained in the car!) $5.00 on a stocking stuffer type gift for my significant other (also unplanned) as well as a little something for myself for $14.99 (again, unplanned spending, but it IS something I will use and enjoy), rationalizing that it IS Christmas and that I will really have to watch ithe extra spending in January. On one hand, foolish, unplanned spending to the tune of forty bucks (= a tank of gas), on the other hand, ya gotta live and enjoy. I am constantly finding myself in a quandry between these 2 sides of the coin and am in constant conflict between them. What to do about wanting to enjoy but at the same time make wise spending choices, which historically, I have not done? Poor spending choices have caused me a lot of stress, anxiety and lack of freedom. I know it is a balancing act. Like with sensible eating vs. splurging on treats, excercising and resting, etc. etc. Merry Christmas!
Christmas is a season of
Christmas is a season of giving without conditions attached. Also congrats to the new member into your family!
Enjoying the experience of Christmas is essential especially with your family and friends. Hopefully without a hole in the pocket.
But still nothing beats the joy of Christmas! Enjoy and stay cheerful!
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