Give yourself the gift of thrift this holiday season
"Your basket will be blessed."
- Deuteronomy 28:5 (NIV)
As you read this column, you may be moving forward to tackle the items on your Christmas shopping list.
Wee have a variety of gifts to consider. There's hostess, party, grab-bag and under-the-tree gifts. We might also contemplate a token gift for the teacher, pastor or special person of our choice. And don't forget those stocking stuffers.
With all that shopping, it doesn't take long until the spending adds up. And if we don't have a Christmas fund, instead of the joy of shopping, we can find ourselves grudgingly giving beyond our means.
But in this season of hope, the gift of thrift can help us. Thrift is the ability to spend sensibly so you can thrive. It helps you have more and give more.
Did you know, the dictionary defines being thrifty as thriving? It is not about being cheap, stingy or miserly. A thrift mindset creatively hunts for the best sales and discovers ways to give a great gift without breaking our bank account. It blesses our shopping baskets to overflowing.
Thrift can help those who find themselves in a financial reversal due to loss of income. I know from my own life's experiences, when these things happen, the holidays can be depressing. You want to close the blinds until they pass.
These were times when I used thrift to guide my giving. I gave Christmas cards with a Lottery ticket tucked inside - everyone loves a good dream. I found small token gifts such as a calendar or book from a dollar store and wrapped it in festive paper. Candy canes, when passed out, brought smiles to their recipients' faces.
Thrift doesn't have to be extreme. It's a discipline that can fit every budget. If it isn't for you, suggest it to a friend or family member, or tuck it away for future need and keep the season bright.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach, Bible teacher and nurse. Invite her to speak at your Christmas event, business or organization, or be your personal coach. Annettee can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. Visit www.annetteebudzban.com.