Debt-proofing your holidays

First, let me say that I love Christmas. I love the way it makes people act, the beautiful, crisp weather, the cookies and candies, and being with family. I don't, however, like the way it affects my bank account.

If you're anything like me, and many other people, you feel guilted into overspending for the holidays. It's easier to spend a lot more money on gifts than it is to feel like a cheapskate when you stick to a budget. It's an easy trap to fall into, and a difficult one to get out of. And what's worse is the peer pressure factor. I feel like I have to get gifts for everyone on my side of the family, just because my wife does that for her family. That was about $60 bucks I spent on people who weren't expecting gifts from me anyway, and wouldn't miss them if they weren't there on Christmas morning.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not repeating the oft-spoken line, "Christmas has become too commercialized." Nope. I agree, Christmas is commercialized, and I kinda like some aspects of that commercialization, but that's because we live in a capitalist society, and there will always be a supply where there is a demand. Therefore, Christmas is commercialized because that's what many (most) people want. But I digress. I am saying that, as a frugal person, and one who doesn't expect, want, or even need most of the things that I get at Christmas, I don't feel like being pressured into paying for other people's wants and expectations. I don't feel like spending a significant percentage of my money for the gratification of others. Side note: I may also be the world's youngest (27 years) Scrooge

The way I figure, Christmas is about spending time with family, telling jokes and old family stories, drinking wassail and eggnog (or a non-alcoholic version of said drinks), caroling, sitting by the fire, and time off from school and work.

That being said, a great book to read if you're into pleasing others, but don't have the money to do it up good and proper (or don't want to), is Debt-Proof Your Holidays by Mary Hunt. She offers some great tips and tricks for getting the most bang for your buck, and giving great gifts that don't break the bank. I picked it up used on Amazon.com last year (when I was dirt poor), and found some ideas that I actually used. I very much recommend it. Actually, nearly anything by Mary Hunt is good, frugal reading in my opinion.

Last of all, Happy Thanksgiving to my U.S. readers, and a great Thursday to those in other nations.