Page 50 - Allisons Magazine Holiday 2021 Issue 04

Budgeting for a Joyful

HOLIDAY SEASON

Check your list twice You can also propose a gift exchange for your extended
The inevitable feeling of gift-giving guilt starts to kick family. Adults can write down their names and draw
written by: RACHEL STEVENS in around the holidays, and that perceived obligation to from a hat to determine who will buy them a gift this
give everyone a gift or return the favor to anyone who year. Consider setting an appropriate spending limit so
Consumers spend more on retail gives you a gift is just that—a perception. Try to think that no one feels like they got the short end of the gift-
during the holiday season than about the purpose behind your gifts, and narrow your giving stick. Exchanges are a fun, easy way to ensure
they do at any other time of the list down to the core loved ones you feel deserve your everyone gets something without purchasing a huge

year. While gift-giving can be a time, effort, and money. pile of gifts.
rewarding experience and a way to
wrap up the year in gratitude, the Start a fun gift-giving family tradition Show your friends heartfelt appreciation
extra spending can be detrimental Most people think of buying presents for their Shopping for friends can quickly get pricey, especially
to your bank account. immediate family first. If this is you, consider talking for people with a large social circle. You can propose the
with your partner about only spending on your same gift exchange outlined above, or agree to only send
Use these strategies to get creative children, if you have them. Instead of exchanging heartfelt cards to one another. A handwritten letter and

with your gift list and set a limit gifts with your partner, you can plan a fun adventure homemade cookies can go a long way!
on your spending without limiting somewhere you both want to go, like a new restaurant
your seasonal joy. or a theater in town.

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