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The holidays are right around the corner, and many people may be wondering how to shop and still be frugal. Maybe it's time to look at things differently.
With the recent tragedies that have struck our nation and world, it just doesn't seem right to have an all-out, over-materialistic Christmas. This might be a good year to re-focus on the true meaning of Christmas and help others instead of ourselves.
Although I grew up very poor, my husband and I have enjoyed a very comfortable prosperity in recent years. Despite this, I never shook my frugal tendencies. After the third Christmas when we gave beautiful, expensive gifts, we decided to pare down Christmas to focus on the right things instead of material goods. This was a few years ago, and we have never looked back.Instead, we buy each other just three gifts and we set a limit of $75 total. This forces us to buy unique, meaningful, and thoughtful gifts. It takes just a few minutes to exchange them, and then we play beautiful music and have a nice breakfast alone, discussing our blessings of the passing year and what we have to be grateful for.
We don't have children, and I understand how this kind of approach might be difficult for children to understand. However, if you put pressure on yourself to provide an all-out Christmas, I think you're teaching children false values.
This year, a frugal plan is especially meaningful. People all over the world are suffering. Instead of buying a loved one an expensive good, make one simple gift for them, or donate to a charity in their name. Work in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter on Christmas instead of eating second and third helpings and watching television.
This is a good lesson regardless of the state of our economy or the level of terror in the world. Use the lessons of September 11 to re-prioritize and consider what's really important to you. Your heart and your pocketbook will be lighter.
"My Story" is a regular feature of The Dollar Stretcher. If you have a story that could help save time or money please send it to MyStory@stretcher.com
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