Christmas is NOT about the shopping, but it certainly adds to the flavor of the Holidays.

Walk into any mall around America and you have instant celebration!
The glitter and decorations etched into every window, the colorful lights hanging from the ceiling, the wonderful holiday smells coming from the restaurants and coffee shops, and the Christmas music jingling throughout the halls. It’s wonderful!

However, if you’re on a really tight budget, as many people are these days, it can certainly dampen the mood and the ability to buy presents. It’s the Season for Giving and the current economic mood is bringing out “The Scrooge.”

So I decided this week to share some ideas for gift giving that are less costly and but still enable you to share your Season’s Aloha.

(1) Send out hand written Thank You’s and “Love Notes” -  Tell people how much you appreciate them, thank them for a special kindness they showed throughout the year and/or why you love them. Add a nice touch by buying some nice stationary and/or hand make a card. (If you have your own business, this is also a great way to show your gratitude to clients and vendors.)

(2) Help others save money - Find out what luxurious items they enjoy and buy it for them, ie subscriptions, favorite body lotion, candles, gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, etc. (Again, a great option to give to clients and colleagues.)

(3) Share the pot - If you have a group of friends or family that normally exchange gifts, you can do a couple variations of the “Secret Santa:” (a) Everyone contributes money into a pot (whatever they can afford), the money is divided equally and everyone buys themselves a gift. At the usual Holiday gathering, everyone brings their gift in a show of mutual appreciation. (b) Everyone contributes money into a pot and is divided equally (as in the previous scenario). Each person buys a gift(s) for ONE other in the group.

With each of these ideas, you can enjoy the celebrations at the mall, save money AND still spread Love and Aloha.

And remember, it’s NOT about the shopping or the price tag, it’s about the GIVING and some of the most valuable gifts don’t cost a dime.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan