4 Rules of Christmas

Do you find yourself overspending buying gifts for your kids or grandkids during the holidays? Stressing and worrying about how you will be able to buy those gifts that they want, plus paying all your bills this month? This has been a battle for me throughout the years when December rolls around. I wanted to make sure all three of my kids got lots of neat new stuff for Christmas, but at the same time trying to figure out how I was going to pay my light bill on top of all the Christmas shopping. With three kids and today’s prices for things, money gets so tight in December. No one wants to live by candlelight due to no electricity. Yes, I know a candlelight dinner for Christmas Eve sounds relaxing and romantic, but rest assured, you will be too worried about how you will come up with the money to get those lights back on to enjoy your dinner and mood setting.

What I have learned through all those years of worry and juggling my bills is that you don’t have to overspend to put smiles on those kiddos’ faces for the day. It’s sure not all about gifts; in fact, it’s more about being together, and celebrating your beliefs (everyone has their religion, views, and thoughts about the Christmas holiday), having traditions, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

So, to simplify your Christmas for your kids and grandkids, remember four words; want, need, wear, and read. These four words are the simplified version of the 4-gift rule for Christmas, which goes like this:

Something they want,

Something they need,

Something to wear,

Something to read.

Something they want: This could be a toy or anything else that they’ve asked for. The idea is you’re only buying them one main gift in the ‘something they want’ category so you can spend a little more for something they’ll truly treasure.

Something they need: This is where you buy an item that needs replacing, like backpacks, shoes, or even a new phone charger.

Something to wear: A practical but fun item of clothing like rainboots, crazy socks, or anything else they’ll like and use.

Something to read: Again, this can be anything they like to read: a picture book, a magazine, or a chapter book.

These four words will help your budget and help teach your kids to be appreciative of what they receive. Along with the 4-gifts, start-up new free traditions to do with the kids and the rest of the family members throughout the holiday season. And if you still want that candlelight dinner on Christmas Eve, then go for it and enjoy every minute of it, because you know when it’s over, you can just turn the lights back on. Remember those smiles and memories you are making with those kiddos are worth more than all the money and gifts in the world.

If you have any tips or tricks you would like to share on just simplifying your life throughout the holidays or any questions for me, email me at publisher@thevindicator.com