CHRISTMAS IS COMING SOON, CHRISTMAS IS COMING SOON!!!!!!!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING SOON, CHRISTMAS IS COMING SOON!!!!!!!

Alot of people will be stresing out during this time. Some will want to buy their loved ones Christmas gifts.

And, then there a CHILDREN. And we all know what stress a child can put on a parent to get gifts.

Everyone may not be able to buy the gifts they would like too for Christmas.

Some get depressed because of not being able to afford to get what others are getting.

The holidays can be very stressful.

It is a known fact that alot of people commit suicide during this time of year. There are different reasons of course. Some of the reasons are: 'loneliness', 'dispair over the loss of a loved one (whether through death or seperation)', 'feeling left out of things', 'sickness', 'heartache', and 'financial problems'. Now these are just some, I'm sure the list goes on.

I don't know how to make the holiday times less stressful for others but these are just a few of the things that have helped me.

(1) Remembering, its Christ's BIRTHDAY we're celebrating. I can give others a birthday gift on their birthday!
But since its Christ birthday and not others birthday (unless your birthday is on same date), then I should give Christ a birthday present.
So, except for a few select people, I will not stress myself out by trying to get everyone a present.

(2) My Grandmother always taught me that when someone 'makes you a present' it is from the HEART, therefore being more special then a 'store bought one'. Therefore, I try to make some gifts for my loved ones. Whether it be a craft item of flowers, baking cookies, making special vinegar, etc--it is from MY HEART.

(3) Get family involved in a giving tradition. Instead of gifts for ourselves, I created small bags of items to take the Veterans in the VA hospital/VA nursing homes. I created over 50 of these. On Christmas day we take these gifts to the veterans. Not only that, but spend the whole day visiting and talking with them all. It really brightens up the vet's day. Some of the older vets don't have anyone to visit them.

(4) Alot of people 'pull a name' to buy a gift for. I have found this to be a great idea.

(5) The Dollar Stores have nice toys and gifts. I know you may be thinking 'how cheap'.
However, if that is all the 'budget' will allow then that is what need to be bought.

(6) I will not ever (again) 'charge' a Christmas present on a credit card, unless I am going to pay it immediately. It's DEPRESSING to still be paying for Christmas gifts 6 months or a year after Christmas has passed.

(7) Write a poem or a short story for a loved one. Put it in a frame (you can get frames for a dollar at the dollar store). Wrap it up and give it to the loved one. This will touch their heart and mean so much to the other person. They can hang it on their wall, mantle, etc and have it for years to come.

(8) For those people in your life who have always told you its the 'THOUGHT THAT COUNTS', why not give them the thought!
Now, this would be good for people you like and especially those you don't like.
Don't tell your 'mother-in-law' I said that.
Go to a magazine, paper, internet. Cut out a picture of a Rolls Royce, Bently, a beautiful mansion, or whatever you'd like. Attach it to a beautiful, handwritten note from you.
The note should state something to the effect of "This is what I would have given you for Christmas if I could've afford it.
However, since I cannot afford it, I am sending you a "picture along with the thought".
Afterall, its the thought that counts".
And wish them Merry Christmas or whatever salutations you wish.

(9) Do a Christmas dinner rather than gifts. Of course, have others to bring a plate of food, goodies, etc. Why should you do all the work, right?

(10) Encourage children to bake cookies for other children in need. Take these to the homeless shelters that have kids in your area.
Please supervise kids when cooking, but then you already know that!

(11) A child could also paint their relatives a picture (or use crayons, etc). Their artwork can be put in a frame and given to parents, aunts, uncles, this is great for grandma and grandpa.
I cannot tell you how much I treasure the artwork my kids gave to me when they were young.
When they get older you are lucky to get artwork from them. Usually, we do not get ANY. So these treasures are very special and would make a great Christmas presents.

Oh well, I am getting tired right now. If I think of anything else I will let you know.

Please feel free to share any ideas or suggestions to make the holiday season less stressful and CHEAPER.

Take care,