by Travis Montera

Created on: December 17, 2008

A recession can be depressing, unforgiving, and down right scary. During the holidays they can be discouraging when all you want to do is give your loved ones the best Christmas memories. It is sad to say, but this recession just might be what our country needed to wake us up and remind us of what is important in life and what the true meaning of the holiday season is. I am sure many do not appreciate hearing that right now, but sometimes the truth can be unforgiving. Many of us, myself included, have forgotten the simple things in life such as how Christmas is about family and giving back to others and the community. It is not about having the biggest turkey on the dinner table or what was the great present you opened up on Christmas day. If you can put aside all the negativity of a recession and instead make it a positive experience you just might be able to create one of the most memorable holiday season's ever.

Let's get one thing straight before I start giving advice on how to accomplish this joyful Christmas during a recession. This is the first time many of us have experienced a recession. For some it may be their second or third recession, but it is without a doubt the biggest recession our country has ever experienced and that includes the Great Depression of 1929. With that said, let us dive into how to make this a Christmas for all of us to remember.

1) TURN OFF THE NEWS: Don't listen to it, watch it, or read it. Stop subjecting yourself to the constant negativity the news is supplying to your brain. Understand that bad news sells, always has and always will. The more you listen to it the more you are subjected to becoming a part of it. Don't subject your family to it either. They don't need to hear or see it. You are not missing out on anything. There was a day and age when the news was only in a newspaper and by the time it reached people it was long over with. They survived and so will you.

2) GETTING YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE: Look no matter how deep a recession most people will never deny themselves the most significant symbol of the Christmas season. Unfortunately, many people just go out to a tree lot and quickly pick out a tree and bring it home. Instead, start a tradition of this process and make it a big day event. If you live in an area that has Christmas tree farms you can easily make this happen.

Growing up in South Florida I didn't know the satisfaction you get of actually going to a Christmas Tree Farm. Then I moved to Michigan and experienced

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>