I can’t wait for Christmas

Ugh! I know I should probably be more sensitive and not use the “C” word, especially since I don’t even celebrate the religious aspects of Chirstmas, but my family does do Christmas with the tree, Santa, presents, etc. And this year, I’m kind of excited to see what is under the tree for me. But first let me explain myself a bit. I have never been interested in what I will get…oh wait, scratch that. It’s not true. Outwardly I’ve never been interested and I have always been very much into the spirit of the season, but secretly…yes I really did want some cool thing. Sometimes I got it and sometimes I didn’t. Then underneath my wanting and not wanting is a load of guilt about getting any material items, because it’s not about getting and I know that.

Are you getting a glimpse of mind twisted way of thinking? I want stuff, but I don’t want it and if I get it I feel guilty. I know you are not my therapist and really don’t want you to ponder on this. I’m getting to the point now…

When my kids wanted money this year to do their shopping I frowned and said stuff like, “Why don’t you just make me something?” and “My gift would be for you to be successful and happy.” But they didn’t like these responses. So I gave them money (why I had to give them money is a topic for another time).

Now, since I gave them such vague responses as mentioned above when they asked what I wanted for Christmas I don’t expect that I’ll get anything that I actually would like to have. It’s sort of like that time I only told Santa about the doll I wanted. I think my kids know me well and will get something thoughtful that I’ll like. But come that special, magical, crazy morning when we open gifts I might not get anything I want. And that is okay.

What I’ll get are gifts that everyone put effort and thought into. And even though they didn’t raid the recycling bin to make me some totally useless thing-a-m-bob, they are giving me gifts because they want to see me smile and make me happy.

The kids finished up their shopping this weekend. I had the house to myself to finish crafting up my homemade gifts and wrapping. Then come Sunday night everyone was done with the hectic gathering and pleased that they found great gifts for everyone else. And I can’t wait to see their faces when I open their gifts.

Is it Too Late to Start a Holiday Savings Fund?

One Christmas I asked Santa for the Dancerina Ballerina doll. Here’s a rather poor video of the doll, but it gives you a good view of the doll’s amazing (to a five-year-old anyway) talent.



I was heartbroken when I didn’t get it. Maybe that’s because I didn’t tell anyone that I wanted it other than Santa. I remember my mother pointing out that I had received many other wonderful things including a Radio Flyer sled, which was really awesome. But all I focused on was the doll. That had to be a downer for my parents who probably spent too much on presents and tried hard to make their kids happy. Sure, I still remember not getting Dancerina, but not because I was disappointed with Santa or my parents, but because I think it was stupid to be a sourpuss over a doll. Not getting the doll did not ruin me for life. I don’t remember thinking much about the doll after that but, I do remember some wild rides on the Radio Flyer.

The Holidays can be financially stressful, but it’s really what you make of it and planning reduces a lot of the pressure. It’s not too late to start a saving for the Holidays.

Christmas Savings Clubs originated in the Depression. They weren't actually clubs, but specialty savings accounts. Savers would open a fund early in the year and contribute a regular amount, typically about $25/month. It worked almost like a short-term certificate. Savers could not take the money out until the end of the year. The clubs fell out of favor among both financial institutions sometime during the 1980s. So, while you may not be able to open an official Christmas account, you can start preparing for the season.


First, you’ve got to set a budget. Only you know what is reasonable for your situation. If you need to cut down on presents this year there are loads of ideas on alternative or no-cost gifts on the Internet.

Next, look at your overall budget and see how much you can afford to put away on a regular basis. There are 10 weeks or 64 days left until Christmas. Setting aside $25 a week would give you $250 to spend, or $5 a day would yield $320, and so on you can do the math.

The most important thing is not to jeopardize your financial health for the sake of a few minutes of happiness. Maintaining your financial health is a great gift to give your children. Avoid using credit cards to purchase gifts. Stay within in your means and you’ll also avoid the January blues.