Posted: 10/26/2007
Holiday commercials, greeting cards and even sitcoms set the scene — and the expectation: Perfectly wrapped presents exchanged in the office or by a crackling fire. Not only does everyone receive a gift, but they always receive the perfect gift: Just what they always wanted.
David Wortman, business instructor at Brown Mackie College — Northern Kentucky, says it's not always that easy. "For many people, finances and schedules are turned upside down during the holidays, and that can make get-togethers, gift-buying and even gift-receiving a stressful time. It can be difficult to smile when spending is out of control. Getting yourself organized and conscious of what you are spending can generate a lot of peace of mind."
Patrice Alvarado, Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor at Argosy University/Washington DC, adds, "It is important to remember that the quality of significant relationships does not depend on the giving and receiving of the perfect gift. The emotional value of just one thoughtful gift often far outweighs monetary value."
There are ways to overcome the challenges presented by the holidays. Wortman recommends creating a budget early in the year, or at the very least, at the beginning of the holiday season. "Include all holiday-related expenses in that list. Keep it from year-to-year, and write down actual expenses as they're incurred. Understanding early on how much you'll be spending on gifts, parties, food, etc. will help you financially prepare." Wortman also warns against falling into the trap of trying to match or out-spend those with whom you exchange gifts. "Stick to the budget," he says. "Watching expenses in November and December can decrease stress in January when the bills come due."
Mental preparation is also an important part of the holiday season. "Organization and placing less importance on finding the perfect gift can go a long way toward making the season enjoyable. It is important to have realistic expectations about what you can afford. Those expectations enable you to have fun choosing thoughtful gifts," says Alvarado. She says that the less stressed out you are from pre-holiday preparations, the happier and more 'present' you will be when the holiday festivities actually begin.
Presentation is an inexpensive way to add value to a gift. Gretchen Harnick, academic director of the Fashion & Retail Management Department at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, says that gift-wrapping and card-giving are too often overlooked. "This is your chance to have some fun and add some personality to gift giving." She suggests digging through your jewelry box and putting old costume jewelry to good use by creating custom boxes for your gifts. "Adding a personal touch, such as using scarves in place of store-bought ribbon, helps the box itself to become a keepsake — a gift." Academic director for Graphic Design, Erika Dodge, of The Art Institutes International Minnesota, agrees.
"Take a moment and reflect on the person to whom you're giving a gift. Wrap a present to an expectant mother in the baby blanket she used as a child, or use fishing line to tie a package for a fishing enthusiast." Harnick adds that a holiday card can be an important accessory as well. "Take a second and write a personalized line or two - or make a card. Making the holidays personal is the magic that allows them come alive."