The Christmas Hangover

Why Does This Happen?

Every year, thousands of people overspend on gifts for Christmas.

Ironically, most of the gifts are forgotten about by the next year. Either the gift is thrown away, worn out, broken, or collecting dust in a closet or storage unit. What a shame.

We’ve been trying to change that at our house.

Here are a few things you can try. See if it makes more sense.

1. Buy a present that helps others. For instance, at our church, they offer an alternative gift market where we can buy things like a portion of a cow, some ducks, or even put money towards a water well that can be dug. These gifts go towards helping people around the globe to build a better life.
2. Buy experiences. Which do you remember more? Nicknacks that sit on a shelf or an experience? What if, instead of a ton of presents, you took your family on a trip somewhere such as a city you’ve never been to or an event? I’m not saying you have to give up all presents but maybe cut back on those and create a memory with your loved ones. When I think back to when I grew up, the things I remember most are the times we went skiing as a family, visiting my grandparents’ houses, and seeing shows in New York City. If you asked me what presents I received during those years, I’d be hard-pressed to think of any of them.
3. Create something. It could be a time when you go and paint a scene together at one of those painting party places. It might be creating a goofy video where everyone has a part. Make it fun and in the end, you’ll have something to remember the experience.

Save your money. Create meaningful experiences that everyone will remember.

Who knows, instead of a Christmas hangover, you could be left instead, with a memory to last a lifetime. It sure beats waking up the day after Christmas and wondering how you are going to keep paying the bills with all that new debt.

Have a wonderful Christmas – And remember why we celebrate it in the first place.