The best thing in the world is seeing friends and family members opening their gifts on Christmas morning.
One of the worst things in the world is being afraid that bills will not get paid because of the expensive price tag of the holidays.
However, with some smart planning, Christmas can be done on a budget without taking all the joy out of the day.
First and foremost, if Christmas is about presents, that needs to change.
No matter how fantastic a Christmas, people will always want more, more, more if presents are the only thing on their minds.
There is so much to do with family and friends during the holiday season.
Little outings can become gifts in themselves. Christmas can be about seeing loved ones and last much longer than a day.
Go ice skating at a local rink or pond, drive around looking for the best decorated house, have a small get together.
Most of the fun to be had is low in cost or free, but will make you and your family feel like a million bucks.
Second, avoid the long lines and ridiculousness of Black Friday.
Waiting in line 10 hours for a 50/50 chance to score a $200 laptop is not worth the headache, and in recent years as people wait longer to shop due to the economy, the prices are actually better closer to Christmas.
Last year, this writer managed to shop for 20 people for $170 the night before Christmas Eve. Waiting until the very last minute is not for the faint of heart, but have faith. Christmas does have the word “Christ” in it.
Third, choose gifts wisely. Stocking stuffers are a terrific way to make the presents seem endless. Not everything has to come directly from a store either.
Nowadays specialty consignment shops have practically, if not entirely, brand new material from clothing to toys.
Also, homemade gifts come with love. If crafty, make a scrapbook for a significant other or necklaces for female friends.
Tired of getting the aunts and uncles gift cards to restaurants? Buy some olive oil, and with the garlic and peppers in the cabinet create some restaurant quality infused olive oils.
Finally, if at all possible, avoid buying the must-have gift of the season.
iPads and Playstation 3’s will be MUCH cheaper after the holidays are done making people insane.
While some of the fun of unwrapping a shiny gadget from Santa may disappear, buy other things and put an IOU in a gift box.
Write a note saying Santa was sorry, but you as his elf will help buy that most wanted gift in a few days.
And in postponing some of the giftgiving, Christmas is extended!
Make the wait worth the while by stocking up on accessories for whatever could not be purchased yet, such as a videogame for a system or a cover for an iPhone. Christmas lasts longer and costs less.
After all is said and done, relax. Christmas comes again next year.
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