OK so we DID get our Costco groceries haul for December, but just necessities..right along with milk and eggs, Cheez-itโs are totally necessary right?! Also, my uncle and cousin were passing through town and kind enough to take us out to lunch so we could catch up.
2.6 mile trail walk with kids FREE
Impromptu photo shoot FREE
Finding a tree stump to sketch FREE
Finding a cool leaf FREE
New walking stick FREE
New pet caterpillar FREE
Is it just me, or have you noticed that the less you spend, the more freedom you have to enjoy yourself?!
No stress of watching your hard earned money leave your bank account or worrying about if you got someone the right thing or if itโs the right size or color or whatever the many stressors that come with shopping are. No stress about how the other bills are going to get paid now that you decided to make this purchase, or the extra hours it will take to cover what you spent. I know that when I spend money, the dynamic changes. I now have expectations and pressure to make sure it’s a fun time or a good meal or the best most memorable gift. Maybe it’s just me, but if I take spending out of the equation, then I literally don’t have to worry about it. It then becomes about enjoying the moments and making memories with my peeps.
The weekends, and especially those leading up to the holidays are HARD. Everyone has a deal going and all of our senses are inundated with smells of candles or food, seeing a must have item advertised for $5 off, touching all those soft blankets and stuffed animals, hearing the ads and workers at the store telling us today is our last chance, etc. This is all that most of us are used to..our society has been like this for as long as I can remember, and as long as we continue to consume at the rate we do, nothing will change. We truly have to make an effort to avoid, so if you are able to stay strong on any shopping front, you are winning. A great way is to start with a No Spend day or weekend. Another great way to do so is 1) to set a Holiday budget and 2) stick to it. Know who is on your list, know how much you want to spend, and make sure you have the funds to cover any of this. If not, your family and friends would much rather you bake some cookies, or spend time with them than to have you go into debt to show your love. Trust me on this one!!
Who else left their stress at home and their money in the bank today? Any other tips for surviving the holiday season?