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Stay Sane, Reduce Holiday Stress, Pass-Along Tip #5
Here’s Something New to Feel Good About Today!
“I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.”
Oprah Winfrey
Does holiday gift giving increase your stress level creating more anxiety than joy? Here’s what might be causing some of that stress for you. See if you relate to what I am about to share.
If I had unlimited time and a bottomless bank account, I envision taking loved ones on extended vacations. We would explore the exotic areas of the world and spend months relaxing at the highest quality spas. Sounds great, and Oprah can afford it, but that’s just not my reality.
As much as I enjoy the holidays I have to admit they trigger two areas of stress for me; time urgency and financial headaches. For the most part, unless I know what someone wants or needs, choosing the right gift makes me feel uncomfortable. I want to give memorable gifts without over extending my bank account and paying the price for it later on.
To be honest, it annoys me that the holidays have become so commercial, focused on buying things rather than simply giving from the heart. We barely finished our Thanksgiving meal when barraged with ads and merchandizing to buy, buy and buy! This year Black Friday began earlier as Black Thurdsay. Some people even skipped their Thanksgiving plans in favor of waiting on long lines to be the first for holiday bargains at major retail stores.
What if there is a way to create meaningful gifts ahead of time (with no sense of urgency) without spending a lot of money, in fact some cost very little. Planning ahead takes away my feeling of being pressed for time. Touching someone’s heart does not require over extending my bank account. Here’s what I will do this year to eliminate my holiday stress, maybe these suggestions will help you too.
Before I rush to spend, I will make a list of the people I intend to give to. I will be honest with myself and the reality of my financial situation to determine what I can reasonably spend overall. I will think about and write next to each name something I can easily afford. I will let the list sit for several days taking the urgency out of the decision making. I believe that gifts can be an emotional expression of how I feel about each person, staying true to my current reality. In that light, I will send cards to some, make something for others and purchase gifts I can easily afford. Because I have thought it through ahead of time, I will feel peaceful, relaxed and joyful this holiday season. Read my future Pass-Along Tips for gift ideas that cost very little, each were an inspired gift from one of my loving friends. Who in your family or which of your friends might this tip help? Pass 1 Along to them and make everyone’s holiday happier and less stressful! Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #1 Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #2 Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #3 Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #4
Find Something New to Feel Good About Everyday!
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