It’s not even Halloween, but Christmas is already close enough to be considered “right around the corner.” I went into Target to pick up a few things yesterday, and was appalled to see light-up Santa Claus figures and holly wreathes fighting for shelf space next to the bustling Halloween displays. It’s a safe bet that, come November 1st, most stores will have jettisoned their Trick or Treat chocolate overnight and decked the halls most festively for the start of the retail holiday season. Carols will play nonstop on the speakers, and every aisle will be festooned with banners of red and green. As the mother of two small children, the thought of holiday spending makes me groan no little bit, and I know I’m not the only one. I’ve already started my shopping. I know some people who do their gift shopping year ‘round, but that requires a little more organization than I care to pull off. It’s really not too early to start picking up the gifts you’ll need for Christmas and/or Hanukkah, especially if you are trying to avoid credit card debt this holiday season. Experts are predicting a tough retail season, and it’s safe to assume merchants will be pulling out all the stops to get shoppers through the doors. By starting off on the right foot, you can spread plenty of merriment and joy this December.
The simplest thing to remember is this: do not use your plastic. No matter how tempting it might seem to whip out that Visa and get everything you need in one fell swoop, try to keep in mind the consequences of irresponsible holiday spending. Long after the Christmas tree has hit the curb and the downy winter snow has melted to February slush, long after the last troublesome strand of tinsel has been vacuumed from the carpet and the remains of all the flavored popcorn have been eaten from the festive tin you received, the debt you incurred will remain.
It is far better to give less, or to narrow down your gift list if you are facing a tighter budget than you can handle with the thought of giving gifts to everyone. Times are tough, and everyone out there is having to make tough sacrifices. Have a talk with family members, and consider something like a secret Santa giveaway where everyone draws someone’s name from a hat, or make a deal to only buy gifts for the children of the family. Do not discount the sentimental appeal of homemade gifts, either. A pan of chocolate brownies or a knitted scarf both make great gifts, and require little investment besides your own talents. Shop for sales – right now, many stores are clearing out their fall stock for winter items, and discount racks are bursting with great bargains. Stock up now, while the prices are good.
Whatever you do, do not charge gifts on your credit cards. It simply is not worth the risk of damaging your financial situation to be generous, especially during these times of nationwide economic struggle. Your friends and family will understand your circumstances, and, besides, there are other ways to be generous besides giving lavish gifts. Shovel your aunt’s sidewalk for her, take your sister out to lunch, or offer to babysit your best friend’s toddlers gratis so that she and her husband can have a night out. Giving starts in the heart, and not in the wallet. There is no need to start 2010 off on a bad financial foot if you start making wise decisions now with regards to your holiday spending.
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