'Twas
week before Christmas and all though house everything was in shambles. Too much to do and not enough time. More shopping to be done, presents to wrap, cookies to bake and decorating await. Oh hustle and bustle, extra work and stress. Is it any wonder you feel like Kranks?If your holiday season rings in more stress than joy, you're not alone. Consider these facts:
oIn a recent survey, 96% of 8-12 year olds included a big screen TV in their wish list. This despite 73% of parents wanting to limit their children's TV time.
o It takes an average of 4 months for a credit card user to pay off what they buy during holidays
o Americans plan to spend $1,564 per household during holidays. $1,042 for gifts.
o A national survey suggests that 70% of Americans would like less emphasis put on spending and giving gifts.
Helpless to resist pressures of a “spend it” society, many people feel obligated to get on frenzied commercialized Christmas train - and they don't know how to get off.
If your holiday season tends to exhaust rather than uplift, maybe it's time to wrestle holidays from clutches of commercialism. Pump joy and love back into your holiday, filling it with true spirit of Christmas.
What do kids really want?
The crowds, cash, Christmas Crunch. The wrapping, toys, noise. It's burning you out-right? So why do we do it? For most, typical answer is not surprising, “We do it for kids.” For many people Christmas is about children and bringing them as much joy as possible. But think for a moment about your own childhood. What made holiday season special for you?
Not sure your answer best represents feelings of most kids? Think again. We asked kids. A recent survey of 7th graders reveals their fondest memories related to holiday season and Christmas in particular. You may be surprised to see what they had to say.
“The thing I like most is being able to see all of my relatives. We get together at my grandparents' houses and have big meals, which leads to another good part. The food. We usually have big hams and mashed potatoes and other good stuff. Then I feel like I won't be able to eat for another week." Ryan, age 12
"I always have a good time at Christmas. On Christmas Eve we stay up late and play video games. Then in morning I get my stocking. Then I wake up my family and we open up our presents and eat pixie sticks and then we eat a big breakfast. After that we go outside. We also play board games. I love Christmas." Meg, age 12
"All of my Christmas's have been jolly. I think my best memory has been spending time with my family." Devin, age 12
"The first thing I think about when somebody mentions Christmas is picking out and putting up a tree and decorating it.” Jessica, age 12
Now, I know what you're thinking, “Sure, he took four quotes from a stack that suited his purpose.” Not true. Of 75 students surveyed only 12 even mentioned unwrapping presents as a significant memory for them. Family gatherings and family activities created fondest memories for 84% of group.
If you are racking up credit card debt to create perfect memory for your kids, you are wasting time and your money.
Creating a Joyful Season
Bill McKibben, author of Hundred Dollar Holiday, gives this piece of advice: “I guess most important thing would be to think about whether or not things you're doing are actually making season joyful for you or not. Keep real careful track and try to figure out if that's what you really want from Holidays. You can't change your life or your celebrating patterns overnight, but there's plenty of time to observe yourself and find what makes you feel happy and joyful.”
