by Merriott Terry, Consumer Credit Counseling Service

Too many people place unnecessary stress upon themselves during the holidays because they are trying to create the perfect Christmas for family and friends, or because they are trying to live up to an unrealistic vision of what the holiday should be. In many cases, this leads to over-spending, and sometimes, post-holiday debts.

For this reason, it is important for people to take an inventory of the things that are most important to them during the holidays. In creating this list, people should keep in mind things that bring peace and joy to them during the holidays, (and the things that don’t!). Preparing a huge holiday meal for family and friends may bring one person great joy, while causing another person anxiety. Look at your family’s holiday traditions and ways you’ve prepared for the holidays in the past. Is there some tradition that really isn’t necessary, takes too much preparation, it is too costly? Maybe you’ve always held a neighborhood Christmas party. If you're dreading it this year, thing about foregoing the party or ask a neighbor to have it at their house.

Along with taking an inventory of traditions, prepare a list of the family and friends that you are planning to give gifts to this year. Are there some people on that list that could be omitted? Maybe it is time that your extended family starts giving gifts only to the children in the family, or draws names. Once you've narrowed your list, place an estimated dollar amount next to their name to indicate the amount you are willing to spend on that person. Finally, analyze past holiday expenditures and try to estimate how much you will spend this year, then create a holiday budget. Along with gift giving, don't forget to include the cost of gift wrapping and mailing packages, travel expenses, higher entertainment costs, new holiday clothing, and decorations. Again, consider eliminating those things are unnecessary.

The goal of taking a holiday inventory is not to make you feel you should sacrifice cherished traditions, but rather to help you prioritize the things that are most important to you during this special season. Most people will discover that spending time with family and friends is more important that extravagant gifts or fattening feasts. You will be able to enjoy a happier, more carefree holiday by eliminating some of the unnecessary obligations and costs of the holiday season.

Ranking Holiday Values

by Merriott Terry, Consumer Credit Counseling Service

For just a moment, think about the holiday season. Don’t think of the hustle and bustle of crowds in the mall, not the traffic of the unending list of gifts you have to buy, not the obligatory social functions or the 15 course meal you MUST prepare. Instead, think about the kind of holiday that would bring you true peace and joy.

To help you with this task consider for a moment what you believe to be most important during the holiday season. Maybe spending enjoyable time with your immediate family or celebrating with friends is most important to you. Perhaps creating a festive holiday environment, showing your generosity through gift giving, or participating in the activities at your church would be considered. It is also a good time to remember the poor and needy. You might think about taking some time to relax or getting away for a few days.

Now think about ways to achieve the holiday you’ve envisioned. Far too often we overspend on gift giving or dedicate hours to plan extravagant meals. In prioritizing your holiday values, you may have realized that this is low on the list of things that make for a happy holiday.

Consider eliminating time consuming and costly traditions that really don’t contribute to an enjoyable holiday. Cut down you gift or greeting card list. Make a donation to charity instead of giving gifts to extended family members in order to save money and avoid hours of shopping. Give hand-made gifts rather than store-bought gifts whenever possible. Cut back on baking and meal preparation by purchasing cookies and side dishes from local caterers. If that isn’t financially feasible, learn to make do with less. Spend time with you family and friends rather than spending money.

It is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. We tend to believe that the more party invitations we accept, the more gifts we place under the tree, and the more food we set on the table, the happier the holiday season will be. This year, to make the holiday more peaceful and joyous, determine the traditions that are most important to you and your family and do away with those costly habits that are unnecessary.

Create A Holiday Plan

by Merriott Terry, Consumer Credit Counseling Service

After analyzing you holiday habits create a plan for the upcoming season. Keeping in mind the things that are most important to you, set a goal for the holiday and then decide how you will go about achieving that goal. If you feel that sharing your holiday with someone in need is important, then set that as your goal. To fulfill this goal, you might volunteer to serve a holiday meal at a shelter or provide a gift for a needy child. You might be determined to spend less time in the kitchen and spend more time with you family this holiday. A way to achieve this goal is to purchase baked goods and cater your holiday meal. If your goal is to spend less money on gifts, you might be able to give hand-made gifts or simply cut down your gift list.

Whatever your goal is for this holiday, it should relieve some of the stress that we have placed upon ourselves during the season and renew some of the joy than the season entails.

Tips for A Debt-Free Holiday

by Merriott Terry, Consumer Credit Counseling Service

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the state,
consumers were worried, for their debt was so great.

The shoppers, they lie tense in their beds,
as visions of credit cards danced through their heads.

They bought goodies and gifts without any plan
Now they lie wakeful, wondering how things got so out of hand.

With no money to spare, and presents under the tree,
all they can think is "Oh, woe is me!"

Then comes a thought as they lie wide-eyed and nervous...
"I should have taken the advice of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service."

They told me to budget. They suggested I save.
Instead I just spent, and continually gave.

I gave them my Visa, MasterCard, my American Express.
Oh, why did I go to such an excess?

They said, "Set a spending limit" for each person I knew,
and when using credit cards, "Use just a few."

They warned me to shop while rested, and do at a leisurely pace
But I waited 'til the last minute. It seemed like a race.

They said "Exchange names between family and friends.
Start new traditions so excessive gift giving ends."

They suggested I make gifts rather than buy.
Now I'm in debt. I just want to cry.

A lesson can be learned from the tale told here.
Start saving and plan early for Christmas next year!

(And if after this story, you're still in distress,
Remember you can always call on CCCS)

To learn more about how you can "Unplug the Christmas Machine", or if you're having difficulty managing holiday expenses, or if you would like more information about how you can avoid holiday debt and have a more joyous holiday season, call Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 1-800-873-2227.