by Claire
So far, so good. Believe it or not in years past I have not gone crazy with gifts for the kids. I say “believe it or not” because by the looks of my debt, you’d certainly think I had. Like I said at the beginning of my blog writing, I am known as being pretty frugal. As I’ve worked through this process it has become clear to me that the debt I have is the result of poor relationship decisions as well as not planning for the day-to-day stuff. I’m happy to report I am much improved in both of those areas in just the last nine months and am learning new skills in BOTH areas (relationships and planning) every single day.
Back to the holiday budget. I’ve set aside $400 to spend on gifts for both kids @ $200 per child. I really think I can come in under that and look forward to the challenge. My kids aren’t asking for anything and I try not to ask them for a “wish list.” We really have always focused on the religious aspect of the season and serving others by always volunteering in some capacity during the holidays. Then, on Christmas morning, the gifts (that I decide upon based on the kids’ random comments throughout the year) are a true total bonus and definitely not the focal point. I don’t know why asking the kids to make a Christmas gift wish list has always bugged me, but it has. I find that they appreciate the gifts more and now as they are older, they really like that there is obvious thought put into the gifts.
What is your approach to holiday spending?
