Each year stores begin carrying holiday décor and the “perfect” presents earlier and earlier because research and sales have shown that the more customers see the same holiday messaging, the more they will purchase. This causes a few problems regardless if you are a child, teenager, parent or single adult.

  1. The more you see, the more you want.
  2. You overspend.
  3. The focus of helping others is drastically diminished.
  4. You stress more than you should over finding the “right” gifts.
  5. Your kids begin following your example of over wanting and over spending.

Given, some of you have this under control and are smart about all of your holiday shopping. You determine your budget first and then find creative ways to both stay in budget and give meaningful gifts. Props to you! For those that struggle in this area, here are some tips to ward of the endless “wants”.

  1. Set a budget BEFORE you go into the stores to do your holiday shopping.
  2. Determine your limits and communicate them with those you are shopping with, including your kids, friends and spouse.
  3. Look for opportunities to give based on the amount you spend. For example, if you spend $50, consider donating $50.
  4. Talk to your kids about their wants and be open about how much you can spend. It means more to your child that you listened to them instead of letting them build expectations that are unrealistic.
  5. Stick to your limits in order to set a great example for your kids. They need to understand that out of control spending is not smart and not part of God’s plan.

Proverbs 3: 9-10 “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

This passage is a great reminder that we need to keep God first and His will first before we spend our money. Yes, this includes holiday spending.

Think about the lessons you can teach your kids (and yourself) about God’s will for giving and receiving. There are valuable moments to capture if you take the time and prevent the stress of planning, shopping and wrapping from overtaking you. Plant seeds of growth this holiday season that is upon us.

Seated In Him,

 

Shevon L. Sampson