How to Budget for Christmas Shopping
Rethink your gift-giving habits this year so you won't be putting yourself in debt for even one month.
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Christmas was in the air. The scent of fresh pine tickled my nose as I walked past the large tree lot and into the local variety store. Lights twinkled above gift displays and carols played softly in the background. I gathered my few purchases in a small basket and waited in line for my favorite clerk.
"Hi Marion. All set for Christmas?"
She nodded as she ran my items across the scanner. "Yep. Finished this week—though I'll be paying for it all next year." She shook her head and sighed. "But it'll be worth it to see the expressions on my nieces' and nephews' faces."
We exchanged a few more words, wished each other a happy season and off I went, pondering what Marion had said. It was worth it to her to be in debt for 12 months for the sake of one day. Hmmm! I decided to rethink my own gift-giving habits and how I might be more prudent in shopping and spending this year so I would not put myself in debt for even one month. I checked the Internet to see what other people were doing. I also listened to friends and family members. Some decided to opt out of exchanging gifts and asked us to do the same. That is one option. But I don't like it. I enjoy giving gifts. It's part of the way my husband and I celebrate the birth of Jesus––God's gift to mankind––and it's our way of saying to those we love "You're special to the Lord and to us."
Here are some tips I'm going to practice during my holiday shopping. I hope they'll encourage you to create a plan that suits you and your family—as well as your budget.
- List the people you want to give to. Take time doing this so you won't have to run out at the last minute for the few people you overlooked the first time. For example, maybe you want to give a small gift to your hair dresser, baby-sitter,newspaper delivery person, mail carrier and so on in addition to family and close friends.
- Set an amount you wish to spend on each one. Depending on your relationship this could range from a couple of dollars to $50 or more. For example, I might spend two or three dollars on an inexpensive toy for a toddler who will be more interested in the colorful wrapping paper than the toy itself! But for a teenaged grandchild who now pays for her own clothing, a $50 gift card from a clothing store would be a great blessing.
- Add up the amounts for each one in order to arrive at a spending budget. Then do your best to 'beat' it. In other words, find gifts for one to five dollars lower than the amount you set for each individual. The savings will add up fast. And it will make the shopping experience more fun.
- Shop at 'dollar' stores. You can fill up a Christmas stocking or a small basket with useful items (personal tissue packs, batteries, travel toiletries, candy and so on, for a total of $10 or less). You'll take care of a lot of people on one trip up and down the aisles of such a store. I make a game of it. Sometimes I take one of my granddaughters with me and she comes up with even better ideas than I do. She's learning to use money wisely and still be a blessing to people.
- Use your coupons. Many stores advertise special discounts when you shop on certain days or between specified hours. If you purchase online or through a catalogue, you can 'bunch' items together and get free shipping—another way to save.
- Look for 'sale' goods on display tables outside book, hardware and variety stores. For example, in a clothing shop in my community every item costs $5.00 or less. Not every style appeals to me but I can find perfectly fine t-shirts and sweatshirts that would make excellent gifts for children who will outgrow them within six months! Wrap the shirt or jacket around a favorite chocolate bar and you'll have a gift kids will love.
- Gift cards. Most supermarkets today have display racks with gift cards in various amounts ($10 and up) for nearly every kind of store you can think of. Such gifts are ideal for nearly everyone on your list. Because the cards are grouped together on one rack, you can shop for several people in one convenient location.
- Shop early. Avoid the last-minute rush when inventory is low or choice items are out of stock. Keep your list with you so you are ready to purchase just the right gift when you spot it. If color and size are important, have those details available, as well.
- Make your own gifts. Home-made jam and breads, napkins, place mats, drawings, greeting cards and so on make beautiful presents that mean a lot more than those purchased in a store.
PLANNING AHEAD
When you've completed this year's shopping, consider how to make it even easier next year. Tuck away a little money each month so you'll have your budget in hand when it's time to shop again.
- Join a Christmas Club at your local bank. Designate a set amount and have it deducted from your checking account on a regular basis.
- Shop sales. With your list in hand, purchase for specific individuals as you see items that are ideal for them. Keep your purchases in a box or storage area 'til the following Christmas.
- Look for clearance racks. Stores frequently unload high inventory by placing them on a rack for quick disposal. You can find quality clothing, books, toys, household items, CDs and DVDs throughout the year. Add these to your 'Christmas gift box' and when the holidays are here again, you'll be all set. You can purchase cards and gift-wrap on sale, as well, and hold them until the following year.
- Make ahead. If you're inclined toward crafts––sewing, lettering, woodworking, photography––get a jump on the next holiday season now. One year I made neckties for the men in my family. Another year I made needlepoint pillows with a golf theme, for my parents who were avid golfers at the time. After they passed on, I got them back and they're now a part of our 'family museum,' where we keep treasured items from the past.
Just think how wonderful it would be to enjoy the reason for the season—Jesus Christ––instead of running all over the city, waiting in traffic, standing in line and becoming stressed out over shopping. You can make that decision now and then ask God for the grace to carry it out.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7).
Karen O'Connor is an award-winning author and writing mentor from Watsonville, CA. Visit Karen on the web at: www.karenoconnor.com.
Copyright December 2007 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.