Make it a breath-taking holiday

Have any of you decided to throw-in the towel yet? Christmas is just two days away and a lot of us are running around trying to finish our last minute shopping and organize the best Christmas dinner ever, all the while staying within our budgets, keeping up with the kids, visiting friends and family, and trying to put in those last holiday hours at work.  Is it just me or does Christmas seem more like a marathon rather than a holiday? They say that the festivities during this time of year are breath-taking, but I think we’re taking that idea a little too literally…I’m out of breath!

Look, I’ve read the articles out there on how to have the ultimate Christmas on a budget, but that kind of an undertaking requires a lot of time and a heck of a lot of planning. For example, one suggestion for our frugal gift-givers is to make your own gifts. That’s a lovely idea but it’s only applicable to those who started planning for the holidays over a month ago. Let’s be honest people, who has time to make crafty gratitude boxes without making them look cheap with just 48 hours till the big day? I know I don’t.

The best advice that I can give, from one fellow hectic-scheduler to another, is to give yourself a minute to breathe, take-in that fresh Christmas spirit (while enjoying some Christmas spirits), and remember that the holidays are about spending time with those you love, having some laughs, and celebrating our good tidings with good company. I know this last year hasn’t been the best in terms of economics, but why not take the last year’s occurrences as a reminder of what the holiday’s are really about.

Oh, and one final note: remember that Tim Horton’s do gift cards! $10 there can mean a week’s worth of morning coffees to someone you love.