Surviving the Holidays without Spending More Than You Have: Part 2

In the last post, we discussed the having a game plan, and ensuring you have the right state of mind. The holidays shouldn’t create added stress or frustration. Instead, they should be a time of joy and celebration! They should be a time when to spend with those we love most. Although we are discussing financial advice, I would challenge you to address any of the extenuating problems which are directly inhibiting your ability to enjoy this holiday season.

Now, let’s get into the good stuff!

From Banquet to Dollar Menu 

Having a nice meal is typically a staple in most households for the holidays. In some instances, big elaborate meals are compounded on each other for weeks on end. This is not only going to hurt your weight goals, it may also hurt your wallet. If you are the type to plan big meals and pay for them, there ARE other options.

Whether you are the ones hosting, or you are attending a meal, be conscious of the time and cost. Offer to bring part of the meal to wherever you are going. The reverse is true too. If you are the host, discuss with your guests ahead of time about creating a potluck meal. You can purchase and fix one or two of the items and let others bring side dishes or beverages. It doesn’t really matter how you divide it up. The point of this is to spread the cost amongst those who are participating (if they are able to afford the cost). Remember, the meal is not about WHAT you eat, but WHO you eat it with. I have had friends who go to a fast food restaurant due to budget restraints. They have a great time, and clean-up is a breeze!

Perfection is a Misconception

We watch and hear in movies, “This will be a Perfect Christmas!” However, this can never be completely true! Perfection is an objectifiable and biased notion. Basically, perfection can only be perceived by the person who’s criteria are met. Thus, perfection is an illusion to each and every one of us! Merry Christmas, you will never have a PERFECT holiday!

Actually, this is not true. Since perfection is unique for each of us, this simply means what my kids may perceive as a perfect Christmas, is not what I may see. Kids, for example, focus on the toys and gifts to rate their perfection scale. Adults tend to weight most of their perfection on the giving of gifts, decorations, parties, spouses, religion, etc. When we start to realize, perfection is NOT a real thing, we can stop chasing after it (after all, you’re never going to get it).

Allow yourself to be happy with whatever circumstance you are in during this holiday season. Although you may not be able to give hundreds of gifts or fix a banquet, it doesn’t mean it can’t be a “perfect” holiday in your own eyes.