My first holiday season minus my old buddies at Visa and MasterCard.
The only “splurge” gift was a new laptop for my parents, but even that was cash and carry- I went with a Toshiba Chromebook to minimize future software and antivirus needs. My son got his Star Wars fix, my sister a new pair of heels. It was a hard fight not to justify using my points rewards cards, or even my cash back one- but I can’t trust myself to pay it off at the end of the month, so I battled thru the temptation and made it to the other side of the holidays free of Christmas debt.
I hope everyone liked the gifts I got them. I enjoy knowing that their gifts belong to them, and are not on loan from a credit card company. I spent a great deal of time meditating on God’s gifts to me, and the fact that my son has a home full of love (and toys) means I can get away with Santa not bringing Xbox or PlayStation now, and save for rainy days when we may need it.
I didn’t plan out shopping, and I didn’t lay a way or save a Christmas account. I did start in early November, and I spent within my budget. I got a little close to comfort to the stretching of a paycheck, but I brought my lunch more, drank less coffee out, and cut back on my hair expenses (for those that know I love to have highlights and lowlights done). So I did what you are supposed to do, which is to sacrifice your own wants for others. And it made the gift giving much more meaningful to me, at least, to know the gifts were truly gifts given with my love, not a swipe of a card.
Forgive me if I sound like I am bragging, but this little victory was hard won. I barely knew there could be a life without debt.
No Time For Wine 