The holiday season makes many people think about finances. This year I heard more people talk about cutting back than ever before. I think it’s a good thing. The holidays have become too commercial and there are not enough traditions for children to grow up and pass along. Here are just a few free ideas that you can start with your family next year.
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1. Make it – have everyone draw a name from a hat and let them make a gift for their family member – it can’t be bought but has to be something created. It can be a poem, a picture or anything that utilizes the gifts and talents of each person.
2. Bake it – several years back our family would go out for breakfast after opening gifts. It dawned on me that with just a little effort I could make the same mean AND I wouldn’t be contributing to someone having to work on Christmas Day.
3. Take it – sometime around the holidays set aside a day to go through the toys and closets and box up all the items that you don’t need, love or use regularly. Pass them on to the different charitable organizations in your community or share have a swap with other families first and THEN pass it all on to the organizations. Keep in mind that the idea is to make room for the new holiday gifts and at the same time de-clutter for the New Year.
4. Fake it – write a holiday play and let the kids perform for the relatives. You may even launch some careers along the way!
Traditions create memories that will last a life time. The gifts under the tree are not as memorable as the time spent with family, the ride to see the Christmas lights each year or the other moments that made the holidays so unique. Memories are the best gift – with the added bonus of being free.