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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(ARA) – Last year holiday shoppers spent an average of $1,004 on gifts according to American Research Group, Inc. But does high spending mean everyone was in high spirits? Many families may feel the meaning of the holiday season has been eclipsed by the frenzy of shopping.
Jack Jonathan and Dr. Sheelagh Manheim, co-authors of the books “Yes, You Can… Raise Financially Aware Kids” and “Yes, You Can… Find More Meaning in Your Life,” maintain financial responsibility is one of the keys to truly enjoying the deeper meaning of the holidays. According to Manheim, “When we have a sense of financial well-being, we are really free to focus on finding more meaning in life.”
And because holidays center on the family, Jonathan suggests parents take the lead in moving the focus from getting gifts to counting blessings. “Every day, whether you’re aware of it or not, you are teaching your children about money. So, focus on teaching them something you believe will be inspirational and motivational,” says Jonathan.
Consider the following tips to find more meaning during this holiday season:
Take a Talent Inventory
Gifts don’t have to cost money. Explain to your children about how they can provide the gift of service or time.
* Older kids can offer a free night of baby-sitting. This could be the perfect gift for an aunt with a new baby.
* Talk to your family about gifts of time like running errands, mowing yards or completing household chores.
* Encourage each family member to create a list of his or her own talents that could make a difference in the lives and well-being of others.
* Identify volunteer opportunities that truly motivate and compel children to contribute. Schedule a family volunteer day close to the holidays.
Pool Your Resources
There are a lot of ways to celebrate the holiday season of giving without breaking the bank. You might be surprised at the creative ways you can find just the right gift for every member of the family without jeopardizing your credit rating.
* Organize a neighborhood swap meet where friends contribute items they no longer want and would be willing to trade.
* Be creative by shopping at hardware stores, second-hands shops, craft shops and dime stores for unique presents.
* Make special homemade food items and craft projects for those people who “have everything.”
Count your Blessings
Once the financial burden is managed and under control, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on the true meaning of the holidays.
* Capture your heritage by asking family members to make a list of their favorite traditions. Make a scrap book featuring each list and photos or mementos from each tradition.
* Write your thank-you notes before the holidays. Encourage your family to write a note of gratitude to everyone who had an impact on their lives throughout the year.
* Start a new tradition of “secret acts of kindness” by anonymously completing another family member’s chores or leaving inspirational notes on the refrigerator.
Happy New Year!
Start a new family tradition. On January 1, sit down as a family and talk about the holidays almost a year away. This gives you practically a whole year to shop and plan.
* Plan a budget and discuss how each family member will save on a regular basis to reach the budget goal in time for the holidays.
* Create a family “wish list” that could be substituted for individual gifts. Perhaps include a family vacation, new game or special activity.
* Discuss the difference between “wants” and “needs” and determine which items on the list are truly needed.
Jonathan and Manheim believe the holidays shouldn’t be a time for financial stress, but a time to remember, “celebrations with family and friends, including those during the holidays, are essential times of our lives that create memories and give us a sense of continuity.”
“Yes, You Can… Raise Financially Aware Kids” and “Yes, You Can… Find More Meaning in Your Life” are available by calling (800) 234-3445 or online at www.stowers-innovations.com. Courtesy of ARA Content
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