SOS [on a less stressful and expensive holiday season]

Brace yourselves, Christmas is coming. And there's a bumpy ride ahead.
We may have all been shocked and devastated by the recent deluge that is Typhoon Sendong. Although it might affect us emotionally (especially those in the South), it remains inevitable that there will still be Christmas, thus, the spirit of giving must still come along. Lest we can aim for at least this holiday season is, in fact, find simple ways to make it less stressful and less expensive as well. Less expensive, since, well, let's say that you will give ample amount of donations to CDO (you should), just so we are clear.

There are 7 ways we can follow in order for this to happen:

1. Focus on experiences, not gifts. You probably can’t remember the majority of the gifts you gave nor received as a child. You may, however, have fond memories of events or family traditions that you treasure. It is also never too late to create a new tradition that your family can enjoy annually. Explore your family’s ethnic heritage to find new holiday traditions you can incorporate into your celebration. An Internet search can yield a lot of information on worthwhile holiday traditions.

2. Give of yourself. Create gift certificates offering services to your friends, neighbors or your family. Coupon books can be decorated and personalized for the recipient. Tasks may include a car wash, baking, babysitting, laundry or something fun like a game night at home or a day at the park.

3. Ask for gift receipts when you buy gifts and include them with the item you are giving. This makes returns or exchanges easier on the recipient and you know that your gift will not go unused or unworn. It also avoids having you to buy replacement/additional compensations when you happen to buy the wrong kinds of gifts.

4. Stick to a budget. Create a holiday spending planner to plan your holiday spending. 
Suggest that adult family members exchanging gifts set a relatively lower spending limit and consider drawing names instead of buying for everyone. Also, consider giving gift cards for family gifts. Then hit the stores on "Boxing Day" for amazing bargains!

5. Use no more than two credit cards. Buying an item with a credit card gives you protection that paying by cash or check does not. If the item is not what you ordered, or there is a problem, you may be able to get your creditor’s help in obtaining a refund. Keep in mind, though, that credit cards can make it easy to spend over your budget. Try limiting yourself to a low-rate credit card for any purchases that you may need to pay off over time and another credit card you can pay in full when the bill arrives. Write down your holiday purchases when you make them so you don’t lose track of your spending. If you do need to dispute a purchase made by credit card, make sure you put your request in writing to your credit card company right away to protect your rights. A follow up phone call regarding the dispute may be a good idea as well. Many creditors will handle and resolve your dispute over the phone.

6. Plan ahead. Make a list of people and gifts. Don’t “overbuy” or purchase items just because they are on sale. This can result in wasted money on gifts that are never even given.

7. Make a day of the holiday. Plan a special activity for the afternoon or the day after the holiday. Whether it’s having a picnic or going on an out-of-town getaway, putting together a family skit or setting up a bonfire in the evening, make an effort to focus on spending time with those you love. If you don’t have family to share the day with, look for opportunities to volunteer and help others who may be alone on the holiday.
One last step --- probably the most important --- be thankful. When we’re bombarded with holiday stress, it is easier to lose sight of the things that are really important. Take time for yourself during the holidays to reflect on why you are celebrating in the first place. Make a memory, be it a gallery of photos or a set of videos, to record the things and the people that you are thankful for. Make more than one and give them as gifts to family.

Happy Christmas!

Your humble narrator, Gian