How To Deal With Pressure To Spend Too Much Money At Christmas

How to Deal with pressure to Spend too much Money at Christmas
by Susan Leigh

Many people experience the pressure to spend too much money at Christmas. They feel that in order to make everything special they must buy the latest toys, impressive gifts, elaborate decorations, and too much food and drink. The sentimental occasion portrayed by television adverts, books and films become something to aspire to.

Christmas is a time when many people want to live the fantasy of everything being perfect for a week or two. The reality is that ‘good enough’ is often just that. Many of those fabulously expensive presents are returned to the shops or are bought to impress but are not really appreciated.

For many people providing the perfect Christmas is a time of immense stress and worry; not least of all financial. The pressure to maintain standards, impress friends and neighbours, and perhaps conceal the true state of their finances from others can cause the festive season to become a living nightmare.

Some thoughts and ideas
– Instead of going to expensive department stores why not buy more original and often less expensive gifts from Christmas markets, craft fairs or privately owned shops? Often items in these places are high quality, original and have no obvious price bracket attached to them. They can be enjoyed in their own right, rather than because of their perceived financial worth or brand.

– Write a list of who you need to buy for, with ideas for suitable presents next to each name. Set a budget for each person. This avoids aimlessly wandering around stores and being seduced into buying expensive items out of desperation.

– Select a special, significant photograph and have it framed as a Christmas present. It will no doubt cause the recipient real pleasure. They will appreciate the thought and time that has gone into the gesture.

– If you have a particular skill why not utilise that at Christmas? Bake a delicious cake, arrange some lovely seasonal flowers, paint a picture or make something special as a unique gift.

– Offer to babysit. Parents will appreciate the opportunity to have a worry free night out leaving the children in the care of someone they know and trust.

– Agree to a limit of £10 per gift. That way everyone has to use their imagination and shop carefully. Some groups of friends agree to buy one present each and put them all into a sack. That way everyone gets one gift to mark Christmas, without having to exchange lots of expensive and unwanted items. In my experience, many people express relief when someone suggests this option.

– Wait to shop till nearer to Christmas if it’s possible. Many shops start their sales in the week before Christmas. Often really good value purchases can be made at this time.

– If the expense of entertaining is a worry why not make a hot-pot supper? People eat so many rich meals over Christmas that a simple, tasty, winter hot-pot with all the trimmings is often a welcome change and much appreciated.

– Plan some free activities with family and friends. Indoor activities can include board games, charades, quizzes. Outdoor activities can include a brisk walk in the countryside or team sports like football, rounders. Many people enjoy these times and remember them as being the most fun.

– If several friends live nearby why not have a safari supper where one course is served at each person’s house. This is good fun and means that the effort and expense are spread between everyone.

A little forethought can make Christmas a more relaxed, less stressful occasion. Taking time to reduce the financial pressure, introduce some control and commit to spending only what you can afford allows you to relax and enjoy the true spirit of Christmas.

Susan delivers Counselling & Hypnotherapy in Altrincham, Cheshire, South Manchester for individuals, couples and business to manage stress, improve confidence, self-esteem and improve relationships with relationship counselling. She helps her clients deal with poor sleep, insomnia and habit patterns. Further help, advice and articles are available. http://www.lifestyletherapy.net