There are many reason why I dislike the holidays. It seems that this is the time of year that things seem to just get overwhelming. All the pressure to buy the perfect gift, make the perfect dinner, and make everyone happy. I realize that a lot of this pressure I put on myself. The holidays growing up were not the Hallmark kind and I know that I can do nothing to change that fact. This year I am determined to be more realistic, there are financial obligations that prohibit extravagance. After a long talk with my husband, we are scaling way back. We are copying all the old VHS home movies to DVD, these will be the gifts for our oldest girls. I have explained to my son and daughter (both still living at home) that Christmas will be tight this year. My son has provided me with a list, not too bad 10 items. My daughter however hasn’t provided me a list and I am dreading it. She is into Japanese Anime and Japanese Rock Music. Not always the easiest stuff to find. Thank goodness for the internet.
I am determined not to use the credit cards, I have my Christmas club money, one smart thing I did this year. This is one thing I do recommend doing. I have $50 each pay period taken out of my check and put into the Christmas club. (I get paid every 2 weeks)
Any money left over gets put towards a new washing machine. Mine has decided to leak gear oil. For the time being, I have had a long conversation with it asking it to hold on just a little longer. I have put out the word to friends and family that I need a new one. This is something else I recommend, if you need something always ask around prior to buying. People are always buying up and will often give or sell (cheaply) to get rid of the “old” stuff. This way I have only had to purchase a stove and a dryer in the last 20 years.