Christmas (Process Essay)

When you think back to childhood, your best memories often revolve around winter holidays. Sometimes they recall a very special Christmas gift, such as that much wished for electronic device or video game. More often, they remember good company and good times, family laughter over a game, hot chocolate and a hug while building a snowman, gifts that came without a price tag and that have become priceless with time. With a little thought and planning, you can still create and enjoy memorable holiday moments. To begin with simplify your priorities. When the holidays approach, many of us automatically switch into panic mode. We get pulled into the chaos of shopping, decorating, and planning so fast that when New Years rolls around, we feel exhausted. To avoid disappointment take time to rethink your plans. What holiday memories do you most want for yourself and your family and what can you do to attain them. Look for ways to simplify things, so that you have more time to enjoy and find meaning in celebrating. Next, you want to do is limit you’re spending.

Take a look at your personal finances. Based on your current income and expenses, what can you realistically afford to spend on gifts, entertainment, decorations, travel, and postage. Set up a budget and decide how much you can afford to spend on each thing. Then stick to the plan. This will help take the edge off celebrating. Best of all, you’ll be able to face your finances in the New Year guilt free. Then, make sure you do not overspend. It’s easy to overspend on holiday shopping, especially if you wait until the last minute or impulsively buy items not on your list. Take advantage of sales, coupons, discounts, and online deals. Plan your shopping trips to save on gas. To save postage and “green up” the environment, send no-cost holiday e-cards instead of printed greeting cards and create decorations and wrapping paper out of reusable household items or supplies. Now, give gifts that mean something. It isn’t necessary to buy a gift for everyone on your list. Most of the time a thoughtful card or action will mean more. Consider sharing your time or experience.

Friends and family members don’t expect you to go out of your way just to show that you care. Some may even be facing with harder time than you and will be relieved if you understand what is going on. As you are, celebrating make sure you spend time instead of worrying about spending money. Look for ways to add meaning to holiday festivities. If your family hosts a large meal each year, plan a celebration where you all bring a favorite dish to share. This way, no one will be relied on with all the preparations, and everyone will share in the expense. Replace trips to the mall with activities closer to home. Embrace the time spent with friends and family and not the cost of a gift. Finally, sit back and fun with your friends and family and the time that you have with them. In a matter of a day you will realize how much you can enjoy and have fun with Christmas. The time spent with you friends and family will make you realize that money cannot buy everything. Ask yourself, “Was this the least stressful Christmas?”