Did You Know You Can Find True Meaning in the Holidays Without Overspending?

ENJOYING THE TRUE MEANINGFULNESS OF THE HOLIDAYS

 The economic recession, global warming, unemployment, and world unrest are dominating the headlines now right at the same time people in the United States are busily preparing for the holidays. I have listened to many people saying they are buying less and cutting back on holiday decorations and parties this year to cut costs, save money, and because they are afraid of what the uncertain future may bring. Although none of us can really know what the New Year will bring, these are still times to be enjoyed with the ones we love. How can you enjoy the holidays, spend almost no money, and get the best spirit of the holidays ignited? Here are some timely suggestions.

1. Cook Together: The holidays are centered on family and friends sharing meals and spending time together. This is a wonderful time to share the kitchen with anyone who wants to help and participate. From making holiday cookies and pies to peeling and mashing potatoes, there is something for everyone to do. Home baked goods make wonderful, thoughtful presents, too.

2. Share the Decorating: Decorating the house for the holidays can be a joyful family event, not the chore and expense it is sometimes made to be. Making your own decorations can be creative and entertaining, such as making fancy snowflakes for room decorations. To do this activity, cut white or silver paper into octagonal and hexagonal shapes, fold them, and have even the youngest family members make snowflakes to hang on string from the ceilings or windows.

3. Make Gift Certificates for Fun Times Together: There are a plethora of free certificates available online or through most computer programs. Select the ones you like the best for your gifts and download the certificates. The gifts should be for things you enjoy to do together, such as a game of tennis or a movie night. The gifts could cost nothing, such as a foot massage, or be inexpensive, such as a batch of their favorite brownies. The thoughtfulness of this personalized gift will be greatly appreciated.

4. Do Activities Together: Spending quality time together has become a bit of a cliché, but the meaning is still welcomed. Make time together to go for a walk, go ice skating, play football, or cuddle and watch old movies. When I lived in Hawaii, we had a beloved tradition of going to the beach every year on Christmas Day. Make your own holiday traditions, and keep them going throughout the years.

5. Read Holiday Books. If you have children, or young members of the family, take the time to read holiday books to them so they understand the meaning of the holiday and how the traditions historically developed. You can store the books and read them again over the years at the holidays bringing you together again through this tradition. You can also have some holiday books for you to enjoy each year, such as holiday cookbooks, holiday crafts, etc.

6. Be Positive and Grateful: If you seem harried and overwhelmed at the holidays, take the time to remember all the things for which you are grateful, and all the people you love. You might want to ask everyone with whom you are sharing the holidays to give one or two things for which they are grateful, too. Enjoy the beauty of the time spent together with loved ones in the present holiday, as you are developing treasured times today that will