How to Find Happiness During the Holidays When You Are Broke
I found this blog on Pintrest and wanted to share it.
November 18, 2015 by Christine T (http://premeditatedleftovers.com/naturally-frugal-living/find-happiness-during-holidays-when-broke/)
The holidays are a time where we feel joy, warmth and love
and we give and get the warm fuzzies, too. But what if you are stressed about
how to pay for the holiday fun or you are filled with anxiety about your
financial situation even when it is not the holidays? It is possible to enjoy
the holidays and be filled with the spirit of the season when you are broke
financially! I have spent many years in a situation where I didn’t know where
the gifts were going to come from for my loved ones or where I was going to
get the money to even buy a tree. Here are my tips on How to Find Happiness
During the Holidays When You Are Broke.
1)Start a gratefulness journal. A gratefulness journal is simply a
place you write down all you are grateful for on a daily basis. It can be
something you continue on after the holidays, but I have found it especially
useful during the holidays when there is such a deep need in us to buy more or
have more. You can look back in it when you feel like you have nothing to offer
or give.
2) Look for free things to do in your area this holiday season. Most communities
host events that are free and open to the public or sponsored by companies in
your community. Mine has free horse-drawn carriage rides during the month of
December and tree lighting ceremonies. This is a great way to get out and share
in the holiday spirit with your community and it doesn’t cost anything.
3) Find somewhere to donate your time. One way I help myself put
things into perspective and feel like I am giving back when it feels like i
have nothing is to find a place to donate my time. This could even be something
you do with your family and can be a valuable experience for everyone. If you
give what you have to less fortunate people, you often find you have a
tremendous lift in your own spirit.
4)Look into charities you can get help from. There are lots of
charities that help people get food and gifts for kids for the holidays. Check
with your local Salvation army or by calling 211. If you can take some of the
financial strain off yourself, it can be a great way to combat the financial
blues this time of year.
5) Start a tradition. One thing that helps me feel like I
am fully participating no matter what my financial circumstances are during the
season is by starting or doing a tradition. Traditions don’t even have to cost
money. Two of our family traditions free. We decorate the tree on a certain day
for one and on another day, we watch Christmas movies.
6) Skip TV Time. If you can, skip as much TV as
possible. This is the time of year where ads are crazy! They can make you feel
like you don’t have enough very easily. Instead, opt for doing stuff outdoors
or even switch to a streaming service that doesn’t have commercials for the
time being.
Comments