December 2008 Newsletter
From the Pastor…December 2008
“Have Yourself A Frugal Little Christmas”
If you are like me, you are having a hard time figuring out how to divide your Christmas funds to make the most out of the little that you have. There might even be a temptation to go deeper into debt in order to check off the names on your Christmas List. DON’T DO IT! It is not worth paying high interest rates and fees to provide a few gifts that will be forgotten long before the bills are paid off. Here are a few suggestions that might help all of us during this time of year.
Christmas Cards:
Problem: Christmas Cards are becoming very expensive and postage is through the roof.
Solution 1: Make your own Christmas Cards. If you want someone to know that you are thinking of them, nothing speaks louder than a “homemade” card. Many of us have computers that can produce very nice and very personalized cards both quickly and cost effectively. Or if you prefer you can make them by hand.
Solution 2: Bring your Christmas Cards to Church and hand deliver them. While this won’t work for distant friends and relatives you will save a bundle on mailing cards to folks you are going to see anyway. You could even set up a little mailbox in your Sunday School Class for this purpose.
Small Incidental Gifts:
Problem: There are always a host of little gifts that pop up that are not on your lists or come as a surprise like when you are invited to a party or were involved in a name drawing that no one bothered to tell you about until the last moment.
Solution: Buy in bulk ahead of time. With a little creativity and forethought a few nice candles, coffee mugs or bookmarks can be quickly embellished and at the ready. You can easily have a stash of these ready made and very nice gifts on hand. Remember each trip to the store will cost you more than you think it will!
Guilt Gifts:
Problem: We often spend more than we plan to or should because we feel guilty about neglecting folks thought-out the year. We think that an impressive gift will cover a multitude of sins, but what they really want is our time and attention.
Solution: Invite folks over for a Holiday Party. Make a big deal out of just making time to enjoy each other’s company. You can even get together to share a light meal and make some incidental gifts or Christmas Cards together.
Prioritize Gifts:
Problem: We often over spend because we do not think things out ahead of time.
Solution: Don’t send a whole ham or fruit basket when a card is sufficient! Do too much and you will start a gift giving arms race.
Problem Gifts:
Problem: We all know someone who has everything and really does not need another fruitcake or pair of fuzzy slippers.
Solution: Make a donation to a charity in their honor (PGUMC comes to mind). This not only lets them know that you are thinking about them, but also allows our limited funds to do the most good, for the most people, for the longest time. This is also an excellent Christian witness to our faith and a reminder of what it is that we are celebrating. This is a great idea for all gift-giving occasions and will never be out of style or the wrong size.
Holiday Activities:
Problem: Gas is expensive! Admission prices are steep! Time is short!
Solution: Stay home together! Make your own light display! Play a board game! Write funny holiday limericks and haikus! Or better yet come to Church and take advantage of all the different programs and worship opportunities that we offer to make your Holidays merry and bright!
TOO MANY PEOPLE AND TOO LITTLE CASH:
Problem: All of the above.
Solution: Write a newsletter that both shares holiday greetings and lowers gift-giving expectations. ☺
May God bless you all in the coming days!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
In Christ,
John, Katie and Wesley Mattox
