Americans expected to spend 8.5% to 10.5% more this 2021 holiday season, bringing overall holiday spending between $843.4 and $859 billion.
National Retail Federation (NRF)
By this time of this reading, you are probably like a million of other Americans who are ticking off the days till Christmas morning. There are a few of us, dare I say it, who cannot wish for the holidays to be over. For those of you who are in some sort of denial and living under a rock that’s 6 days and counting…
if you’re anything like me, you’ve been probably debating over what and how you will get those special gifts to your loved ones. Since September, I was writing out my lists and jotting down gift ideas for each. In my mind, I am the designated gifter of the family. I take great pride in annually gifting to family and friends and their kids. Yes, you read it right – I gift the kids, the parents, and the couples. Annually, keeping a roster of those gifts would have my head on a swivel and leave my savings account active and ultimately depleted. Despite that I was super excited and fulfilled knowing my loved ones got that “special” Christmas gift.
Yet, if I am completely honest, this year I have nothing! That’s right…there are no extra gold coins in my stocking aka savings account. And with 6 days out from Christmas, I am still wracking my head over how I will make the deadline to send wrapped toys or outfits to my “nieces, nephews, god babies” just in time for Christmas morning. And because I have idealized Christmas morning as THE day for all gifts to be under the tree, I have made this the unmovable due date. And now because of folks lime me, I get how all of this stress and last minute shopping converts to billions of dollars.
What does your spending look like this holiday season? There is a huge group out there just like me who have no dollars to spend to get all the gifts they would like to give this year. While a good portion of America was saving money during the pandemic, there were those of us who was using their savings to pay down credit card debt, start new businesses or help with college tuitions and offset family-related expenses. Personally, I tried to manage my financial spending wisely, but the needs always seem to outweigh the resources to meet them. Then, there is a second group who are simply uninspired. There is no Christmas song or Frosty the Snowman that can get them motivated to decorate the house or wrap gifts. Sadly, much of what the world is going through and what is impacting families at a more personal level is leaving us HO-HUM BLAH about what is supposed to be the most festive time of year. Grinches are popping up everywhere. To further assert the point, there are folks out there who are struggling with depression and overly suffering over their circumstances and it takes everything they can muster to awaken and face the day. The energy to celebrate Christmas is not on their primary list. Their will to find some kind of joy is difficult. The spirit of the holiday is overshadowed with the advertising and branding of jolly ol’ St. Nick and his little elves.
So, just as I had surrendered to the idea of having little to no pep in my Christmas step, I looked to my favorite Charlie Brown to arouse some amazing alternatives I wish to share with you. What is Christmas all about? Christmas is about reflecting and revealing the important things that matter during the holiday. One purpose of the season is to believe and be amazed at the miracles of Christmas. First, STOP dwelling on the commercialism of the holiday. That’s right – no matter how much Santa is being stuffed down our throats; those reindeer and snowmen is more about the kids and holding their attention. You are no child! No need for a jolly character to give you any merry thoughts. Instead, consider the great miracle of the birth of a Savior born from the Virgin Mary? What greater miracle to bring men (and women) from around the world to come together to gaze upon this new babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in the manger? What greater miracle than for people to stop what they were doing at that very moment and take time to reflect upon the wonder of Emmanuel – Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people?
Second, STOP seeking out another location to get away. Some of us, if we are not careful, are trying to run away from something. Some of us are trying to hide away and stay under the radar. Instead, look no further than your immediate surroundings and take stock of what and who is closest to you. Take the time to connect with family and friends in real organic ways that have little to nothing about money. After I swallowed my pride, I shared with my family and friends that I was temporarily broke or “financially insecure” (is that the PC term). I made it clear that this holiday was about building healthier and happier relationships. Any gift giving was at a $20 dollar limit. The adults got the message. Whew! Seems they ere in the same boat too.
Secondarily, the purpose of the season dwells in the significance of relationships – old and new ones. What is the cost of a friend meeting you at your place for hot chocolate and cookies? Perhaps you can show up and make a visit to a family you haven’t seen all year. The road trip may rev up some good cheer. Recently, I had the chance to take a drive to visit with friends who I wouldn’t ordinarily see as often and when we did meet it was always cut short by time. So, on this one weekend, I packed an overnight bag and committed to making the trip. From early Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon, we shared our hearts over coffee, we cooked together, we laughed, we cried, we hugged, we connected. In my mind and I am certain in theirs’s we will remember this loving moment for a long time. it may even become our annual Christmas thing. Love them dearly.
Lately, I have been having wonderful one on one lunches and dinners with my favorite people. One of the best benefits I could receive were the memories of our chats, exchanging serious life lessons, and the opportunities for more of those moments to come.
Sadly, my family are miles away and my heart’s desire is to rally everyone together and bring them all under one roof, but dollars, resources and time were not on our side no matter how much we tried. Instead, what happened as a pandemic-driven fluke, has now become an annual Christmas holiday ZOOM. In fact, we still laugh about some of the silliness from the zooms before. The truth is I wouldn’t trade in those memories for anything in the world. While there is something special about watching my little nephew tearing through wrapping paper and feeling his little arms around me, it is equally as special to see it on the computer screen too. It is amazing how keeping my eyes open to those moments are even more spectacular than I can imagine.
I am offering this personal post because frankly when I went online to Google best Christmas gifts, results included every list you can imagine – the NYTimes list, Oprah’s Favorite Things, Bloomingdale’s 25, Macy’s Believe and even Rolling Stones has a top Christmas gift list. Again, these were all someone else’s idea of how to spend your money. One thing I have realized as I have gotten older and wiser is the ability to be even more creative and daring about the things in my life of which I have control.
I’ve embraced the time, whether short or not, the talents and skills I’ve inherited or developed or the treasures available on my credit or EBT card, the “how” I will utilize these resources will be my choice to make. I am the best manager of the resources I have and I must discern wisely how to distribute these resources. Honestly, the one thing that has not steered me wrong and that truly gives purpose and encourages me at my lowest are the words of Jesus Christ. So, dwell on these nuggets this Christmas season:
“The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son.’” Luke 1:35
The Good News: Jesus would come to earth as God’s earthly representation of love and sacrifice.
“She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
The Good News: Due to the birth of Jesus, your sins have been forgiven.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!” Hebrews 13:8
The Good News: The love and promise of Jesus Christ is eternal.
“While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.” Luke 2:6-7
The Good News: God has promised to protect and care for you just as Mary did for Jesus when he was born.
Finally, I offer this additional nugget of wisdom this holiday season…get out of your own head of what you think others want Christmas to be for you. Create your own precious traditions and activities that celebrate new life, new beginnings with your family and friends. Make spending money the least of your worries. Create your moments and capture the sweet and genuine sparkles of your loved ones in photos or videos and display them the following year. Frame as photos throughout the year. Whatever it is do not allow life, commercials, or news panic you into going broke buying your way through the holidays or worse – doing nothing at all.
‘Tis the season to be jolly and importantly, it is the purpose of the season to focus on the love God has for us. Dwell on that golden nugget as you snuggle on your sofa or in bed. Open your eyes to all you already have and say thank you. Before long you’ll be so grateful you wont dare to ask for anything else. It’s about the little thoughtful moments. Create yours and enjoy them.
Merry Christmas to all!
…now what, Linda.
now what, Linda? 