If you’re like me this year, then you haven’t even begun to knock things off your holiday to do list. But here’s a few tips to help all of us get into the holiday spirit, get everything done AND keep our sanity!
1. Budget your money: Just because it’s the holidays it doesn’t mean you have to drop all of your cash to get everything! Be smart about what you buy. Check prices BEFORE you go to the store in ads and online! It will save you time and money in the end! Also, sign up for coupons via email from places you know you’ll be shopping at. The coupons can give you great deals that you wouldn’t get otherwise!
2. Make a list: Don’t ever go into a store this holiday season without knowing what you’re getting! Before you leave make a list of who, what and where. Does your best friend want the latest Twilight Saga movie? Find who has it for the price you want and where. That saves you from driving all over and spending time wandering the isles (unless you like doing that…)
3. Be creative! Just because you aren’t in kindergarten art class anymore, doesn’t mean a homemade gift isn’t cool! Take your talents to a craft store and run with it! Make someone a tie blanket with fleece or a fleece tie blanket! There are always cool ideas online that won’t break the bank, that don’t take much time at all and, of course, are easy!
4. Material items aren’t everything: You don’t need to have money to give people presents! Your friends and family will love if you pick a night and make a fancy dinner for them! Even pizza and a movie can be better than the really cool Star Wars t-shirt you were thinking of buying your boyfriend or girlfriend. (P.S. girls! Guys LOVE food… / guys! Girls LOVE Romance.. keep that in mind :)
5. Be original: Sometimes the most creative and unlikely gifts are the best! Do you and your sister have an inside joke? Find something that relates to that. Does a friend or family member stand strong for a cause? There are THOUSANDS if not MILLIONS of gifts that will contribute to a cause by purchasing an item. You can even buy someone a star!
Remember: the holidays are about being together and sharing good times. Material objects aren’t everything. Try doing something fun with your friends and family instead this year. In the end, memories last longer than material things do.
Always reach for your dreams, no matter how far!
Ariah Zwolinski
