When it comes to the holiday, do you find yourself feeling more like Ebenezer Scrooge than Buddy the Elf? You’re not alone. All the running around, shopping, wrapping, and entertaining can leave us feeling tired, overwhelmed, and broke.
Luckily, there are ways to take some of the stress out of this time of year so that you can focus on what the holiday season is all about: spending time with those we hold near and dear to our hearts.
Here are 5 ways to simplify, spend less, and enjoy more:
- Start with a realistic budget, and stick to it. Remember, you can’t give what you don’t have. So while your son might love the latest and greatest smartphone, is it really worth maxing out your credit card?
- Skip the stores. One of the most important gifts we can give is time. So instead of buying more toys and gadgets that will start collecting dust before the week is out, why not gift quality time with your loved ones. Plan a romantic post-holiday date with your spouse, give your nephew piano lessons, or set up a monthly coffee date with your mom.
- Pay it forward. Nothing warms the heart – and improves an ordinary day – like random acts of kindness. Perhaps you can buy the person behind you a cup of coffee at the coffee shop one morning. Or bake your neighbor a batch of cookies. No act is too small, and no kindness goes unnoticed.
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Giving new life to old items will not only help you save some hard-earned cash, but the environment, too. Give presents a funky twist by wrapping them in newspaper. Place smaller items or gift cards in clean food jars stuffed or wrapped in tissue paper instead of boxes. Re-purpose old greeting cards by turning them into gift tags.
- When all else fails, breathe. Relax, take a hot bath, enjoy some quiet time by the fire. Try to see the holidays through a child’s eyes. Make a snow angel, play a board game by the tree, and remember that the best gifts don’t come in a box.
At Optimum Air, we’re grateful for the ongoing trust and confidence placed in us by our many customers, and we wish you and your loved ones a bright, happy, and healthy holiday season.
