by Mario Carini

Created on: December 12, 2011

The state of today's economy has many worried about their future welfare. Families are beginning to cut back on items they once regarded as luxuries. For some, those luxuries start with the Christmas season. Rather than buy a new tree, they look to getting an artificial one to reuse year after year. Those holiday lights and decorations see new life year after year.

Gifts are one of the most expensive items on the Christmas wish list. Some can afford to buy what their kids want, but they are turning a serious eye to buying used or searching for lower prices and still make their children happy over the holidays.

Celebrating Christmas isn't about presents or Santa Clause. We have moved away from the real spirit of the season and embraced the material aspects of the holiday. The first consideration is to impart the spirit of love, peace and harmony that the birth of Christ represents. Being appreciative of the good things you enjoy is better than anything you could possibly want.

Can you have an inexpensive family Christmas? Absolutely!

One of the ways is by presenting homemade gifts. Everyone has a special talent. Kids like to draw. A wife might have the talent of a seamstress, write poetry or knit sweaters. The man of the house may be adept at wood carving or creating a particular craft in his workshop. A homemade gift takes more time and careful thought as to the real needs of the recipient. No store bought gift can project genuine love and appreciation than something created by a family member. Gift baskets are often better than those you buy at the store. Homemade preserves, cookies and pies are far healthier as they don't contain a great deal of sugar and fats.

Christmas isn't about buying the most expensive items. A parent can save a good deal of money just buying second hand from the Salvation Army, thrift or dollar store. A child won't care how much you paid for a box of chocolates or a toy he or she loves.

In this time of severe economic hardship, barter isn't a bad idea. You can get together with your neighbors and trade an item you don't need for an item you believe someone in your family will enjoy. Barter is a system as old as the hills. Considering that today's dollar buys even less than it did a year ago, exchanging one item for another still holds value when gift giving approaches.

Reuse old items. An older child will outgrow his clothing. But his clothing doesn't need to be tossed out if a younger brother can use it. If the clothing is relatively new, it can be washed and treated with colorings or carefully patched up. You don't need to emphasize that it's a hand-me-down.

Entertaining guests doesn't have to break the bank over the holidays. We tend to think that putting out a table with the finest china, linen tablecloth and an ice sculpture is necessary to make guests feel welcome. But you can entertain well by providing inexpensive finger foods, healthy fruits and a few bottles of wine while everyone sits in the living room toasting the holidays. Children of all ages love to play video games while their peers can watch interesting movies or chat about those wonderful season events they enjoyed in the past.

An inexpensive Christmas does not mean a poor Christmas, either mentally and psychologically. Christmas can be more meaningful without the presents and glitz that has become such a part of it. If you remember that the focus of the holiday is on fostering peace, gratitude and happiness, you will be rich, even if you have no presents to offer.

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