by Olivia Bredbenner

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: December 20, 2008

Every year the holidays seem to arrive sooner. I am sure that I saw Christmas Trees lined up behind the pumpkins. The smile on the Jack O Lantern's face was barely visible among the green boughs of the trees.

Each year we tackle the holidays with the mixed feelings that they always bring. With them is the ambivalence of joy in the holiday spirit, and the stressful expectations we always feel the need to meet. Most of us want to give to those we love and are always going beyond our means during the holiday season.

This year the weakening economy offers us a chance to change our ways. A chance to rein in our urge for over-indulgence in our gift giving behaviors. A way to halt extravagance and reassess our giving. This year lets take the time to consider reducing the amount of money we spend on the gifts we buy. We need to overcome our feelings that the amount we spend correlates with our love and our relationship to each other.

Part of the gift is the presentation; This special effort is part of the gift inside. Instead of being too materialistic, let's be creative. Let's support and value the "thoughts" related to the gifts we give.

*Start early with plans to gather everything to reduce the cost of the holidays. This will help reduce some of the stress by leaving more of your budget for gifts. Consider using different materials to wrap a gift. Comic newspapers, foil paper and brown bags can be decorated with colorful ribbons. Use colorful wool left over from knitting projects, and recycled ribbon can be used to make bows for your gifts.

*Consider making your own Christmas cards. This thoughtful project allows your children to be part of the "giving" projects during the holidays. Consider making homemade candy or cookies to use for some of the gifts you give, any lucky recipient will enjoy them. Children can be part of this project and will learn to appreciate the effort and time it takes. And feel good when they see everyone enjoying their gift.

*Some ideas for gifts this year may include tickets to a local community shows, or affairs that you know someone may enjoy. In the addition to the enjoyment, you have also supported fund raising efforts in the community. A donation toward a membership to a health club, a massage at a spa, or a session at a local craft or ceramic studio can be an unexpected surprise. This can show thought in giving.

*Another idea may be to accompany a senior to an event they may otherwise be unable to attend without some assistance. Discuss with family, to see if they would enjoy a donation toward the membership to a local Zoo or amusement park with year round privileges. Make this a family present.

Consumerism has taken over our holidays. Let's take our holiday back . We can consider giving more of ourselves. We can make the time for those that mean the most to us. In reality, it is the quality of our time together that is our real gift to each other. The visits and the meals we have shared. The special chocolate cake or apple pie that someone has made for us. The laughter and joys that we have shared. In truth, I ask you can you even remember what you got for Christmas last year ?

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