With all the Christmas bustle, I think we all need to think about what is actually needed. It is a message I feel is important this time of year.

My family has been waiting for an impending layoff at work. Today is the day that we will find out more. I budgeted for Christmas already, but knowing that a layoff could happen we decided to hold off spending any of that money. There is no budget if you are layed off, it is a punt situation where you have to readjust every expense. As I type this, I think we are okay, but not 100 % sure. I tell you this not because I need sympathy, that is not something I feel is needed. We are one of many facing Christmas unsure of our finances. This is the time you have to hold your family close and know God is in control no matter what the decision is. With that in mind, I have come up with some ideas of what to do about Christmas, and all the pressure of “you have to buy”, “this is the coolest gift”, and “you will never find it cheaper”.

Reality Check readers! Does anyone have to have something? No
Being cool is important? Nope again.
It will never be cheaper? Maybe but if it is out of your price range, nothing will make it in your price range.

If you have not yet, set a budget! Know up front how much you are going to spend on each person, and stick to it.

Think outside the box, for instance many kids have asked for a toy that in year’s past you did not buy. Maybe it is a family trampoline, maybe it is a game to play together, whatever that choice is if you know your family would truly love it and you can afford it then make it happen.

No one in my family is getting what is on their list, because I know them better than they know themselves. I cannot say what they are getting, Gator from time to time checks on me! Rest assured it is within my budget and they will love it. Each child this year will get about a 1/3 of what I normally spend. We have what we have. You know that kids will remember the decorating of your house (free), the baking of special items (cheap buy bulk), and the time you spend celebrating Christmas. They may or may not remember what they got, but they remember being happy.

In my budget, I always allow a personal charity a percentage of my spending. Personally, I am a Salvation Army advocate; they are on the front line of every tragedy. They do the dirty work; they get their hands dirty helping people. I just like the premise. It is important that your kids know that giving is a part of Christmas. May it be the angel tree, Salvation Army, Operation Christmas Child, Toys for Tots and many others.

Now relax, make a budget, and know it will be okay if only you can spend $1.00 per kid. They will be fine because you have given them something special, you and a family.

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