It’s really a great feeling when you’re out there enjoying the holidays with your friends and loved ones. I guess, for so many years, you have always entertained the idea of celebrating Christmas with a handful of your acquaintance because that is what Christmas is all about.
Year after year, times have been a little challenging for some of us. Money becomes challenging and prices of all commodities are skyrocketing to the ceiling. When you smell the Christmas vibe, you know it’s just a matter of time before everyone whom you meet in the street starts to wish you a very merry Christmas.
I understand it can be quite frustrating if you can no longer do things you usually do during the past. But what are some things to do if you can’t afford Christmas gifts this year for all of your friends and loved ones? I’ll be happy to help you not feel sad and blue if you cannot afford to have Christmas gifts for this year.
Here are some ways how you get through and hold your head high
It’s not only you who’s experiencing difficulties. I, for one, have also my share of downs, but I’m telling you, after that, I rebounded stronger` because I have been there. But I admit, it’s not really an enjoyable feeling because nobody wants to be in a compromising spot.
But as they say, you have got to suck it in and fight your way through it. I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it and you’ll get by like everyone else. So if buying gifts would be possible, allow me to share these few things and I hope everything goes well with you. Just stand your ground and remember, you’ve got a friend in me.
Tip Number 1 – Don’t be shy about admitting it to yourself and be open to others about your financial situation.
Most of the time, we are afraid to admit that we’re having a bad time. We always want to make others believe that we’re okay, but in reality, we’re just trying to survive and thrive with meager resources at hand. Honestly, being truthful with your financial situation isn’t really a pleasant topic to discuss with your friends but, hiding it making them think you’re okay is not good either.
I would like to make it clear you’re not really obliged to make others believe that you’re okay financially because, for all you know, they’re also in deep waters. I understand buying gifts for all of your friends and loved ones is sweet, but if doing so would leave you deeper in financial ruins, I think you need to think it over.
Friends and loved ones would understand if you can’t give them gifts because that’s what is there for. In fact, they would admire your honesty and courage in being open about it and I’m sure they’ll offer some help to help you get out of that sticky financial situation.
Tip number 2 – You can use your time to be with them
Being able to give gifts is a wonderful feeling, but since you’re financially challenged to do it this time, I’m sure even if you don’t have a lot of money to offer, you still have a ton of resources that you have just overlooked. You have tons of time. Time is such an amazing asset because it allows you to be more productive if you know how to use it wisely.
Giving yourself is such a wonderful idea to form beautiful bonds and memories. Offering to watch over the kids, or going to some free concert with everyone is just fun-filled activity which I’m sure is a memorable thing to enjoy the holidays with very less to no money involved.
Your presence is more important than any physical gifts. I recommend making the best out of it.
Tip number 3 – Offer to help those who are more financially challenged than you
When I was in deep financial constraints, I was so engrossed in getting back in my two feet and working myself almost to the point of exhaustion just to earn some good old honest living. It would surprise some of us with such an idea and would dismiss it as absurd.
Here’s a thing, I’ve learned a precious lesson, and let me share it with you.
While I was standing in line in a grocery waiting for my turn. I can also see from a distance a long line of people waiting for their turn to get inside a building. I was just observing them when I heard someone say, look at those poor souls, they’re waiting in line to have a place to stay for night and enjoy a bowl of soup and some bread for a meal.
And then I realized, I still have a place to stay, I can still have a home even if my landlady screams in the hallway with her usual your rent’s late, enjoy a few nights of home-cooked steak with a few peas and potatoes, I can still stretch my entire body in a comfortable bed and can enjoy a splash of a warm shower after heavy work.
But here I am, standing in line, feeling like a victim. But there they are, waiting patiently to be accommodated because that’s the only thing they’ve got for the night. I was like, you should be thankful. That incident taught me to be grateful for whatever I have because others don’t.
So the next day, I pack a few sandwiches because I want to give something to those who are worrying about where to get something to put on their stomachs. It feels good and made me look at life from a whole new perspective.
Tip number 4 – Learn to appreciate even the smallest of gestures
When I finally have a change of mindset about so many things, I learn to be more appreciative even with the smallest and most trivial things. And guess what, it actually made me and people around me feel a little better.
I have seen that good things usually gravitate around people who seem to be thankful and appreciate simple things. When you extend help to people, no matter how small it is, you’re always at the receiving end of something good. I guess that’s what they call good karma, and it always feels good to be being a recipient of such.
A simple smile and thank you for even for the smallest of favor can help you feel good all throughout the day. And when you feel good, you become a beacon for good things that are just waiting to happen.
Money is one of the many results of something you did well.
You may ask me, how is that going to work? Or how’s that even possible?
When you feel good, you’ll notice tons of good things seem to fly towards you. I began learning a lot because learning is easier with a happier disposition in life. It quite surprised me how learning a few trades and skills comes easily with a new mindset.
People began noticing that I’m a newer version of myself. It’s like everything I touch just turned into magic. I did a few crafts and people seem to buy them because they like them. When you’re happy, it reflects on everything you do. A cheerful person usually does brilliant and beautiful things.
I’m starting to receive job offers that are related to working with people. I thought I would always be in a small corner because I set my mind to be out of everyone’s radar, but here I am now talking to people and making them feel better. And the best part, buying gifts for Christmas is no longer a big hurdle because I can see now more clearly which way works to my advantage. Don’t just take my word for it, try it.
