Holiday Tips On Enjoying The Season Without Breaking The Bank
Recently, I was asked what I do for the holiday season. No, this was not an interview, but just people talking to and fro with each other, the casual conversation. Aside from the many decorations gathered over the years and a change in the diet to all vegetarian, the holiday season has been simplified to this, everyone gets a card.
About seven years, the obvious dent in the wallet during the holiday season was becoming a dreaded “ho-hum.” Sure the obvious use of a credit card was enticing, because credit was so easy to obtain; however, January is always right around the corner. Having worked in the credit card field in the past, I was sure that even if I paid the bill on time, there would be a phone call to make sure a payment was sent. The credit crunch was just beginning, but most individuals had yet to realize a change was looming.
After taking a step back and racking the noggin, calling up the other half, hinting around for an “I want list,“ or the cost of presents, the thought came to me like a ton of bricks. The family birthdays were spaced out over the entire year, but the holiday season is cramped into one day. I decided to focus on birthday gifts, and no debt at the end of year. As with all modern families, this was strange and bizarre to them, but now, we all do this. Instead of focusing on the whole family, or drawing names, the consensus for the holiday is simply enjoying family and having fun.
The family still gets together for the holiday and shares a pot luck dinner; we each bring a dish and the family hosting the meal will cook the main course. Though I am a vegetarian now, I still help with my contribution to the holiday main course. The cost is something no one individual should be expected to burden, especially during these times. And considering the cost is usually under $10, it is money well spent.
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