People need to focus on their budgets this year instead of spending money they don't have for the ho

All of us need to bring reality back into our Christmases and High Holy Days, as well as the not so high holy days (Chanukah)! Stop spending money you do not have and cannot repay yourself, for a gift that you will give someone else. You must decide that love is from within you and it does not represent itself in dollar amounts.  Sure gifts are nice. Who doesn't like to pull ribbon and rip paper from a mysterious item? 
      Yet, we are kidding ourselves if we continue to live beyond our means. Credit is not something to fool around with if you hope to ever own a home or car. Spirituality cannot be bought with dollars. Instead try to think of other ways to express your good wishes to others. Possibly make a coupon book filled with good intentions- one per page - is a gift you could compose creatively, with the children of the family.  Be sure to remind them that the  receiver of their coupons will get to make the choice of when a coupon is used, period. "When" is not up for negotiations.  This works great for a few days off from the daily grind of dishes, folding clothes, and rotating laundry loads.  It can also be fun, as in "helping to bake cookies" and "picking up toys",or "playing cars with little sister. "  What matters to each person will vary with the memories of years gone by. A cork board in the kitchen can handle more family-oriented ideas, each member can make lists and tack them up.  Believe it or not, cookies are fairly expensive to make, especially more than two varieties. Keep this in mind while planning your holiday.  Finally, put a $5.00 limit on any bursting necessary-present such as Teachers, Hebrew School, Ministers, Rabbi. There are beautiful bookmarks, pencil holders, art supplies, and sketch tablets for artistic expression or using as personal diaries. The diary concept is good for grocery lists, mileage keepers, calorie counting, etc. You may also find that a one-size-fits-all-reasons newsletter is ok but keep it realistic. People hate to hear about a kindergartener who is gearing up for med. school. It makes them ill. Keep an eye out for humor! Forget about ties and fancy schmanzy matching sweaters! Most people need more comfortable underwear, socks, slippers, and many of us need a $25.00 food store prepaid gift certificate. Be creative and remember your inner child!  But please, save your money for yourself. Needs are real and must be met.  You Matter To The People Who Love You!