In this week’s blog, Financial Planner Kerrie Beene, CFP® shares ideas on how to make the holidays more meaningful.
As I was preparing to write this article, I had many different ideas; ways to save money while shopping, ways to reduce holiday stress, and ways to find the perfect gift. However, if I am being honest, that really isn’t what I want the holidays to be about. When I think about the holiday season I have many different emotions; excitement, stress, joy, overwhelm, sadness. However, as I get older and learn to cherish time more than anything, I realize that the Holidays are a very special time that should not be taken for granted and I do not want the negative emotions to overshadow the positive emotions.
So this year I am choosing to do the following 3 things and encourage everyone to consider doing them also:
Suggestion #1: Don’t get caught up in Consumerism
Consumerism is the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods. Basically, we like buying stuff… more than we should. The National Retail Federation conducted a study that breaks down American spending on gift buying during the holidays:
33% expected to spend at least $1000 on gifts.
22% expected to spend between $500 and $999.
29% expected gift spending to be between $100 and $499.
3% planned to spend less than $100
Remaining unknown
It is really easy to overspend trying to find the perfect gift for everyone. We live in a time where most people have the things they need and a majority of people have most of the things they want.
So, I encourage you to not get caught up in consumerism. Take the time do buy fewer, more meaningful gifts.
Suggestion #2: Focus on the Little Things
Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is now celebrated by people around the world, whether they are Christians or not. It is a time for family and friends to come together and remember the good things. The gift giving part is to remind us of the gifts given to Jesus by The Wise Men. While, sometimes the gift giving is out of control, I do believe those we are buying gifts for are out of love.
With the suggestion of “focus on the little things,” I am not telling you to buy people “little” gifts, I am saying focus on getting to know those you love. Feel free to buy them the smallest or biggest gift you prefer, however, spend the quality time to actually get to know them and find out the little things that they love or are important to them. Better yet, focus on them with the “little” amount of time you have with them during the Holidays.
This leads to the 3rd Suggestion.
Suggestion #3: Have Meaningful Conversations
Two things drive me crazy when talking to others: 1) While you are talking to them, they are looking at their cell phone, and 2) They are looking at you, but you can tell they are not actually listening to you. Sadly, this is the majority of the conversations I have. Once you start paying “real” attention to people, you notice that most people are not paying attention to anyone, ever!
To listen intently, is to not only listen to what they are saying, but also to not be thinking about what you are going to say “next.” Take the time to really listen to people. This is something we should definitely be doing during the Holidays, especially because we normally do not get to spend this type of quality time with the ones we love.
P.S. Put your cell phone down! If your excuse is that you use it for your camera, then treat it like a camera. Take the picture and then put it away. All of those social media posts can be made later, when you are alone and away from the ones you need to be spending time with.