Brigid Bishop on Life, Love and The Art of Living

Many of us have experienced a decrease in resources over the past year.  Lay-offs, credit reductions, housing issues and all that goes with being in a downward spiraling economy may begin to make many of us feel a bit “Scrooge-ish” this holiday season.

With a little imagination and good old-fashioned practicality, this holiday season does not need to be any less festive than those of the past for the majority of us.

I guess growing up during the 1960’s and 1970’s helps me to put this in focus, as when I was a child, we were not so prone to being “immediately gratified” by our parents as the children of the present day are.  I think that my generation played a key role in creating this in our children as we always wanted them to have more than we did growing up.

These inexpensive and down-to-earth holiday ideas will help to keep your budget in check and to show those that you love how much you care.

For anyone on your gift list, “personalized” baked goods are an inexpensive and fun treat that we do not see as often as we did in the past.  Gingerbread cookies made up to “resemble” the gift recipient, or cupcakes on a tray that spell out their name, always bring a smile to young and old alike.  Sugar an issue?  There are many sugar free products on the market to bake with, so they can enjoy these treats as well.

For significant others, inclusive of husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, et al, consider handwriting a personalized love poem or letter expressing just how you feel and getting a frame from your local dollar store for it.  You can use simple water paints on the glass to set it off.  Blow up a favorite photograph of the two of you and frame it for them too!

My all time favorite gift to give and to receive has always been BOOKS!! 

There are so many places that you can buy best sellers and topic specific literature at bargain basement prices that you can wrap up several for each person on your list without truly denting your budget.  Where I am located we have a chain by the name of “Ollie’s” where there are aisles and aisles of books at prices that rarely top $4.99 each, most are less.  The titles are identical to what you find in the major bookstore chains at a fraction of the price!

With young children who still believe in the magic of Christmas and have no concept of the economy, I think it is wise to try to keep the magic alive for them. 

When my children were young I always had them make a list and told them to “prioritize” it by what they truly wished for the most. 

I tried my best to get the most wanted item, (that was always left by Santa), but kept the magic alive by saving many items that I would have to buy for them anyway for Christmas and wrapping them and adding them under the tree. 

Practical items that they would need regardless like boots, winter coats, snow pants, gloves, clothing, and school supplies, really made their holiday seem bountiful. 

During lean years I made a point to have change on me to put in those little gumball machines at the grocery store exit and I would get two treats out of each machine, you know those little plastic eggs with a toy inside, and at Christmas the boys had stockings packed with little trinkets.  Baked goods and fresh fruit were always in their loot too.  I used to save old socks to make “puppet making kits” for them and leftover yarn from my mother’s crocheting became arts and crafts kits when added to a plastic box with some glue and construction paper, glitter and scissors.

Teenagers, now they are the WORST.  Although they may be inundated with news of the economy going bust, just as their adult counterparts are, it is hard for them to understand that they may not be getting the new X Box, or Wii or iphone that they are lusting after.  Of course, you can look for bargains on these items, but if you simply cannot afford to purchase them, do not over extend yourself, set your teenager down and tell them why you just can’t do it and then DON'T.  They will survive just fine without it, don't worry.  Create your budget and stick to it, ask them what they would like as a less expensive alternative gift and do what you can, but please don't feel guilty if little Jane or Johnny is the only kid in the class without their own iphone, it is not a necessity.

You can make gifts of “special privileges” in a coupon book for teenagers.  Examples are, a free pass for breaking curfew one time, (limit one hour past curfew or coupon is void), an “early release” from one grounding, and twelve “no dish duty” tonight coupons, twelve “sleep in on Saturday” coupons, maybe a "mom as chauffer" for the night, if they are too young to drive, you get the idea. 

Make the coupon booklet valid for a one year time frame, date the coupons by month, that way with some privileges they can look forward to using a coupon once a month to avoid a chore that they may not particularly enjoy, like doing the dishes.  It may sound silly, but when they can use those coupons (and you must HONOR them upon presentation), they really appreciate it.

For elderly parents, (I find these the most difficult to shop for), how about a gift of a free “housecleaning” once a week or biweekly performed by, yes, you got it, YOU!  No time?  You can make the time if you really try, if you have children or grandchildren of your own, make it a gift from the whole family and have everyone chip in.

A gift of a weekly shopping excursion with your elderly parent is always appreciated, as well, most especially for those with mobility problems.

These are just a few ideas of how you can beef up an otherwise lean holiday season this year.  At one time or another in my life, they have worked for me!

Happy Holidays!

Brigid Bishop