Released December 9, 2011
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A fourth-quarter burst of optimism among consumers and the markets buoyed holiday sales to record highs; but for those who haven’t yet crossed everything off the wish list, there’s still time to consider that gifts don’t necessarily make the holiday.
Chances are that the happiest holiday memories have nothing to do with receiving gifts, said Laura Connerly, instructor-family resource management for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
“The truth is, gifts aren't really the most important part of holiday memories,” she said. “Most people can hardly remember what they got for Christmas when they 10 years old – or even what they received two or three years ago.”
Connerly suggests several ways to create joyful memories this holiday season without breaking the bank. Most importantly, she reminds others to think outside the gift box and focus on the spirit of the season.
Limit gift giving – Trim holiday spending by trimming the gift list. “This means only giving gifts to close family members and friends rather than everyone a person knows,” Connerly said. “Limit the number of gifts you purchase or the amount you spend per gift.”
- Instead of exchanging gifts with dozens of family members, draw names for a select few.
- Has the price tag become more important than the token of affection? Set a dollar-limit on the amount spent on each gift.
- If a child's wish list is three pages, have her limit the number and prioritize items.
Share time and talents – Some of the most meaningful and unique presents can be made by using talents rather than spending money, Connerly said. Be creative and think of special gifts that require time and craftiness.
- Bake cookies or make candy to share.
- Knit a pair of mittens.
- Give coupons for guitar lessons or babysitting.
- Throw a slumber party for a niece.
- Take a best friend on a camping trip.
Build traditions – The warmth and joy of holiday traditions create cherished memories and do not cost much money.
- Listen to favorite holiday music while decorating the Christmas tree.
- Watch a holiday movie at home and eat popcorn.
- Bake and decorate gingerbread men or sugar cookies.
Plan beyond the holiday – A lot of attention is focused on opening gifts on Christmas morning. Create something else to look forward to that is not gift-focused.
- Plan a special family time that goes beyond the gift-giving celebration.
- Examples can be family meals, board games, outdoor sports; anything that involves everyone.
“Above all, remember that it's possible to balance the generous and giving spirit of the season with proper money management,” Connerly said.
--30—
University of Arkansas, http://www.uaex.edu/news/december2011/1209Holidays_Spending.html
Contact: Mary Hightower, (501) 671-2126, mhightower@uaex.edu
