Many people are worried this year how would they get through the holiday season. With the weakened economy and increasing rates of unemployment, buying Christmas gifts for everyone of the family or having a holiday trip could be sometimes a mission impossible.
It is always a good idea to plan how to spend in advance. A shopping strategy will make your holiday really good and will help you avoid the post-Christmas regrets. Set a firm budget and stick to it! Then try to replace the gift giving to every member of your family with a simple exchange system. Write down your names on paper and put the sheets in a bag. Then pull out one and see the name – this is the only person you will buy something. Another good idea is to make the Christmas gifts on your own. Hand-made items are always more appreciated and cherished than the expensive purchase from the store.
Do not buy anything expensive for yourself – it is tempting to give yourself a present, but it is also pointless and unnecessary. You can spoil yourself at any time of the year. The purpose of the Christmas gifts is to make other people happy. And try not to spoil the children with multiple gifts – one Christmas gift for each child should be sufficient. Here are some ideas for less expensive presents that might be helpful.
Family photos in frames
Usually, we all have relatives that don’t see very often – grandparents, aunts and uncles or cousins. Take one of your family photos and put it in a decorative frame. It will make a great gift especially if the photo is very old, when you were a child, or it is from the wedding or the graduation. Also a lot of photo shops offer calendars, mugs, mouse mats, etc., with your own photo on them. This is very personal gift that everyone would love to receive.
