| The Christmas holiday season is all about giving. | | | | note. The personal touch is always appreciated - |
| Giving of ourselves in various ways, and giving | | | | even more during the holiday season. |
| gifts to the people we care about, which includes | | | | The people who you do plan to buy gifts for, |
| family, friends and co-workers. When times get a | | | | you'll need to do some thinking about how you |
| little tough, like they are right now, and money is | | | | plan to divide the $300 budget amongst them. For |
| tight, there's not as much money to spend on | | | | children, you'll want to get them that one special |
| gifts for everyone. If you've got five or more | | | | gift that they've been asking for - if it's within |
| people on your usual Christmas giving list, then | | | | your budget to do so. If it's a pricey item(s), you |
| this can seem like a big problem. You don't wanna | | | | may decide to spend most of your budget on |
| come off looking like a Scrooge, yet, you can't | | | | them. If you just can't swing for it at this time, |
| bust your budget either. | | | | then give them an IOU with the name of the |
| OK, so you've only got $300 to spend on | | | | item written on it. This let's them know that you |
| everyone this year and you're determined to | | | | know their wishes and do plan to give the item to |
| stick to this budget. After all, bills have to be paid | | | | them sometime in the future. Also, the IOU |
| and you've got to keep food on the table. First | | | | relieves you of guilt. Give them something a little |
| thing you need to do is throw any guilt you may | | | | less exciting, but still something they'll find cool. |
| be feeling out the window. So many people are in | | | | For the adults on your list, you can give a lot of |
| the same boat right now that most people will | | | | thought to what type of person they are, and |
| understand that you can't spend elaborately for | | | | what you can reasonably buy them within the |
| presents. | | | | $20 -- $40 range that they'll really like. Practical |
| Secondly, write down the names of all the people | | | | gifts like gadgets, perfume, books and clothing are |
| on your normal gift giving list. Take time to look | | | | always great ideas. If someone plays golf, you |
| at this list and think about your relationship with | | | | can get them a nice golf shirt. If someone likes to |
| each of these people. What do they really mean | | | | cook, you can get them a cooking gadget or |
| to you and how well do you get along with them? | | | | cookbook. If someone likes to draw, you can get |
| This is important, because there may be people | | | | them a drawing pad and art kit. |
| on this list who you feel obligated to buy a gift | | | | While a $300 budget for Christmas gifts may not |
| for, but aren't really all that close to them. | | | | seem like a lot of money at first, with some |
| Put a check by the names of people who you | | | | careful thought and real planning ahead, you can |
| feel the strongest connection with. These are the | | | | stretch that money further than you ever |
| people who you will spend the time to buy | | | | imagined. Coming up with practical gift ideas that |
| Christmas gifts for this year. For the names you | | | | the people on your list can actually use and enjoy |
| didn't check, you can send them a Christmas | | | | is a great way to show them that you care, and, |
| card, with maybe a photo of yourself, or the | | | | best of all, you can continue to feel good about |
| family tucked inside. Or, if you're a wee bit | | | | the quality of your gifts. |
| creative, you can write them a poem or heartfelt | | | | |