Can we host gracious holidays while trying to save money? With a little idea gathering, a little creative energy, and your holidays can be better than ever. I’m sharing some tips that will take the pressure off. You deserve to enjoy the holidays and not be snowed under with a long to-do list!
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.
Helen Keller
With our focus on blessing people, thoughtful gifts are better than expensive gifts. We let the receiver know we are mindful of them and pay attention to what they like. In the months that lead up to the shopping season, listen for hints during conversations.
Explore new ways to create gifts from photos. I love the creative options in Canva. Anything from a t-shirt to a large art canvas to putting their mug on a coffee mug—the possibilities are endless and easy.
Other starters:
- If you have a large family, draw names or just buy for the children. Agree to exchange handmade gifts or treats. Create job coupon books (e.g., mow the lawn, shovel the snow, do the laundry, etc.)
- Create a new tradition. In the Netherlands, on Christmas Eve, it is customary to exchange books and chocolate. The rest of the evening is spent together reading and sharing chocolates! I’m definitely adopting this one!
- For meals, share the workload and go with the pot luck option.
- If the family lives close, opt out of presents and plan an excursion to a Christmas play or concert and dinner.
Center on your people, relax, and make holiday memories with those you love. Click each image below to read more.
My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
1 John 4:11 MSG
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