Everything Great is *Nixbased

Xmas is almost here, I’m not sure how I feel about the holidays this year to be honest. I’ve always despised the commercialization and as an agnostic atheist, like many others just see this time of year as a time to spend with family and friends. Even theists tend to celebrate in that manner often surcoming to the commercialization and forgetting what it is supposed to mean within their religion, mainly I’m speaking of mainly Christians here). I think most people know by now that the origins of Christmas are debatable with some saying that it is a celebration of the birth of the Yeshua of Nazareth (Jesus Christ) and others saying it is of pagan origins dating back to Winter Solstice. No matter who’s right or wrong it can be used as a time to set aside differences and have a good time, no need for expensive gifts or religion unless that is what you truly wish for.

I don’t usually buy gifts on holidays, I prefer to give them throughout the year when I see something that reminds me of someone I care about or something I feel they would enjoy, however this year I have a little bit of extra money so I decided I would buy those closest to me each a gift. I had forgotten just how hard it is to buy for my family. Most of them buy things they want themselves and others only want items that cost an arm and a leg. It also reminded me why I don’t enjoy the material expectations of Christmas.

It does not make sense to go into debt as so many do over a holiday. People often try to give their children many gifts to ensure a great Christmas but really to do so all they need to do is make it enjoyable as they probably will not remember which gifts they were given by the time next Christmas rolls around. In my humble opinion it is imperative that we as parents instill generosity and other positive characteristics in our children instead of encouraging materialism as Christmas time often does  for many. I am not implying to give no gifts at all, but no need exists to spoil them just because it is customary. One option is to cut out specific items from catalogs and store fliers and paste them into a book to create a catalog they can choose two or three items from which will not be beyond your budget. I would also encourage them to choose an item to give someone else to ensure generosity becomes something they associate with this time of year.

Another great option for gift giving could be to make a donation to a local charity in someones name whom you wish to give a gift. Doing so is both beneficial to someone and not detrimental to your finances as you can specify how much to give. It is also usually much appreciated by the person who’s name you make the donation in.

In closing I hope this post sparks the thought processes of you my readers and hopefully reminds you that this time of year does not need to be about the amount you give or get. It is about the time spent with friends and family and the memories made.