Andy William’s Classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is hands down my favorite song. But for a lot of people, it’s not the most wonderful time of the year. It can be a time of great sadness and stress. We’re missing loved ones, or are just plain lonely. Maybe we’re financially strapped. A season spouting joy and peace doesn’t always walk the walk.
The word Christmas sends streams of memories into our brains, and our hearts. But add the word shopping on the end and a whole other set of emotions takes over. Some men panic at those two words, throwing a Hail Mary at the last minute. I’ve known women to receive gifts purchased at the front counter of the local gas station, or the seasonal section of a grocery store. Some accepted their presents graciously, and, well, some gave back a piece of their minds.
Let’s face it—it’s fun to get a really great gift! Something we’ve wanted, or didn’t know we wanted until we got it. That creates a lot of stress for the giver, financially and emotionally. I’m one of those givers who spends the year keeping an eye out for unique and useful gifts for everyone on my Christmas list. It spreads the financial impact across twelve months instead of one, and the fun of searching extends throughout the year. I have 365 days (give or take) to find those perfect gifts!
My father takes the pragmatic approach. He writes a check for each person on his list. His method has worked well until Nathan’s fiancée, Kat came along. She stuck her check in a drawer, forgot to cash it, and eventually lost it. This year Dad will be handing out cash.
My friend Melissa has a Christmas club account. Remember those? Every paycheck she deposits a bit of cash into her club account, and come December she’s flush with Christmas funds. Then she takes a day off work, picks up her mother, and they check off their list.
How do you complete your Christmas shopping? Regardless of your methods, please take a breath and remember what this season is all about. Maybe Uncle John would love a donation to his favorite charity this year, instead of yet another tie. Perhaps your best friend would like a night out with you instead of more perfume. Why not give your favorite tiny human an evening with you, and the parents a night off? Why don’t we all spend less and give more? Let’s all do our part to truly make this The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Andy Williams would be proud.
Jann Goar Franklin graduated Russellville High School in 1985 and lives in Grand Cane, Louisiana. She also writes books, which are for sale at www.jannfranklin.com. You can reach her at jann@jannfranklin.com