Here’s the bottom line:
No one is going to take you by the hand and say, “Hey, you’re spending more than you can afford. Are you sure you want to do this?”
So, if you want to avoid a hangover of holiday debt in January, it pays to pause for a moment before buying into beliefs like: “I have to buy these gifts, even though I can’t afford them.”
If in doubt, remember this: You are allowed to consider your financial well-being when making out your holiday gift list. Your needs matter just as much as the needs of your loved ones.
Try these 5 tips if you’re dreading the mountain of holiday debt you’ll have to climb next month.
- Step back from sacrifice
If you’re low on cash, reconsider giving expensive gifts to those you love.
Anyone who truly loves you would never dream of asking you to give up necessities so they can have luxuries. Only people who are out for themselves would do that.
Would you like your Higher Power to show you all the other ways to show your love besides financial self-sacrifice?
If so, please say “Yes” out loud now.
Imagine light shining from the center of your heart. Let it beam up into your brain and fill it with ideas for showing love to your loved ones.
Note down any ideas that come up. Make those ideas the basis of your gift list.
2. Bail on bribery
If your bankroll is getting small, reconsider giving lavish gifts to those whose love or approval you are trying to win.
Love and approval that can be bought rarely lasts. The debt you accrue will hang on, piling up interest, until it’s paid.
Would you like your Higher Power to show you all the other ways to gain love and approval besides trying to buy it?
If so, please say “Yes” out loud now.
Picture light coming down through the top of your head and filling every cell of your body with warm, loving illumination.
Note down any ideas that come to mind. Keep them handy.
3. Lift the burden
If your loved ones are struggling financially, like you, consider suggesting everyone can exchange greeting cards instead of gifts.
Imagine the rejoicing if you let your loved ones off the hook from having to spend money they haven’t got. What a priceless gift!
Would you like your Higher Power to show you all the ways to have a wonderful holiday besides overspending?
If so, please say “Yes” out loud now.
Breathe in pure white light. If you don’t know how, just pretend you’re breathing in white light.
Breathe out white light, allowing it to carry away all your woes and worries. Imagine them floating away, like balloons soaring into the sky.
Picture the worries being replaced by whatever you want and need most. Sense your muscles relaxing into allowing your needs to be met now.
4. Keep it simple
If you feel you must give something, consider giving simple gifts like these:
Make gifts by hand: Bake sugar cookies and decorate them. Knit a scarf. Make chocolates, scrapbooks, tamales, candles, gingerbread houses, latkes … use your imagination.
Give of yourself: Offer to clean out a closet, organize a junk drawer, catch up over lunch, set up a smartphone … notice what needs to be done, and offer to do it.
Donate: Give money to your loved ones’ favorite charity: Red Cross, cancer research, animal shelter – whatever cause is close to their heart. You will spread love and light to all those touched by your generosity, even if it’s just a few dollars. You never know what will make a difference.
5. Reconnect with the Spirit of the Season
Whatever you give, give it with love.
As you fill out your cards, place each card between your hands and bless it. Bless the one who will receive it. The recipient will feel your love, and that is the greatest gift of all.
As you wrap your gifts, take each present in your hands and bless it. Bless the one who will receive it. The person you give it to will feel your love, and both of you will be blessed.
I hope you find these tips helpful, my dear! If so, would you kindly share them with your friends? Thank you!
We’ll see you next week with some tips to help you handle feelings of grief and loss that feel sharper during the holidays.
Get More Help Surviving the Holidays at www.AbundanceHealingCircle.com
In the meantime …
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