I have done virtually nothing, and Christmas has already started to exhaust me. In comparison to last year when I was working less, I found myself more excited to organize and prepare the home.
Some say that as the years go by the holidays feel more applicable for children as opposed to adults and while part of me believes that, and even though I am even more busy now, I think the social pressures that constantly shadow to make us “feel in the spirit” have become more intense. It is at the point where I am struggling to mentally keep up.
For me, the most difficult is not the purchasing of gifts, decorating or cooking but rather the top to bottom Guyanese-style cleaning. It may possibly be another symptom of my OCD, but the home must be thoroughly cleaned before anything festive starts.
For many the most difficult part is budgeting to cover all our supposed wants. I think this is possibly the holiday with the most material consumption and even if you have intentions of planning a green and physically present Christmas parts of you still somehow manage to get sucked in, be it through your December grocery bill or your holiday sporting budget. You will be forced to spend somehow.
I have fond memories of my late godmother showing me her small stashes of money she kept around the house so she could buy cases of beers and non-alcoholic beverages for all those who stopped by during the month of December. The point is we all have our thing that we spend on.
For those who feel the current pressure to get prepared through impulsive spending try to be realistic with your choices.
Remember that January does exist. There is no Christmas break from bills. Perhaps you should try to put finances for January’s expenses aside. This will give you a more realistic reality of how and where you can elaborate on Christmas spending.
A single splurge isn’t difficult. With an influx of Christmas-related items on the market everything will seem desirable. I personally don’t believe in shopping at any single given time but rather throughout the year. However, if this is you, choose one thing you really like and get it. Think practically and as difficult as it may be, imagine if you would buy it without all the Christmas-induced frills.
Try to develop a Christmas style, so that every year you don’t feel the need to jump on a new trend. Last year, I decorated the tree with pink baubles. I have no intention of switching but just buying more to give more volume. Consume wisely and effectively.
Finally, keep it traditional. For many, purchasing new items is part of their Christmas tradition. My godmother always had new bedsheets for Christmas and New Year. If there are things you always like to have or do, prioritize them and do them. In the end they will feel most important and add the most value to the season.
