Make the holidays special, even on a budget

By Judy Miller Gerard

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008 | midnight

We've just done Thanksgiving. Hopefully we all gave thanks for our friends and families, our health, our jobs, the privilege of living in our great country and also for what we have in the way of material blessings, be that large or small.

As we enter the holiday season, let us each stop and give some thought as to what it means. For some, the season holds deep religious significance; for others it is simply a time of celebration and/or getting together socially with family and friends. In either case, there is a huge emphasis on gift-giving.

Many people handle this wisely. Others dive headlong into buying gifts they cannot afford with money they do not have.

We're in a Catch 22 right now. On the one hand, the economy is troubled and for many their job status is uncertain. On the other hand, many merchants are struggling to keep their doors open, so they need our business.

What to do? Take the time and make the effort to honestly assess our own situation, and what we can afford to spend on gifts. Make a written list of those to whom we want to give gifts, put an approximate figure beside each as to what we can spend, add some ideas for gifts, and add it all up to see if it matches your total. Bottom line: Have the discipline to stay within those guidelines!

This, by the way, can be an important learning experience for an entire family regarding responsible spending. If shared with openness, honesty and kindness, even humor, our children can benefit from it for their entire lifetime.

Give at least one gift of yourself. Here are a few ideas; you can think of more.

• A handmade gift certificate to an older person who lives alone, for a monthly home maintenance call, changing light bulbs, replacing washers in leaky faucets, hauling away discard items, etc. The time is limited to one hour. You call to make the appointment.
• A gift certificate for "Lunch for Two." You will call them to set the date.
• A gift certificate to attend a local sports event of their choice. You provide the tickets and the transportation
• A gift certificate to anyone, any age, for something you know they like. Or a helpful service.
• How about adopting a family you know is having a hard time financially? Drop off some holiday lights, a turkey, a ham and other food items at their home. If you know them well enough, buy and gift wrap something for each person.
• Give a gift of cash. If you can manage to do this anonymously, it will be even more fun for you and for them.

Judy Miller Gerard is a Henderson senior and can be reached c/o the Home News, 2360 Corporate Circle, Third Floor, Henderson, NV 89074; by fax at 434-3527 or e-mail at [email protected].