Some people may take the saying “it's better to give than to receive" a little bit too seriously. I say this because every year, I never fail to see someone struggle to buy gifts for their loved ones.
I know it feels good to triumphantly walk out of Best Buy with two pairs of AirPods- one for your S/O and one for your sister. But really, is it worth breaking your bank? Leaving yourself with nothing but 20 dollars to last for almost a whole month should not have to be a reality, just to prove to someone that you can buy them an extravagant gift.
What happened to the times where homemade gifts were enough and spending time with each other was the best gift you could give for holiday cheer? Spending money on countless gifts that your loved ones might not even need is nothing short of unnecessary. In fact, it can be overwhelming at times.
Comparing your gift (and total price) to one that you were given can amount to a tremendous heartache that makes you feel as though you didn't buy enough or you could've done better.
Well, news flash: you don't need to buy extravagant gifts for your loved ones. After all, they are the ones you LOVE! They are in your life for a reason and to share special moments, love, support, and precious time with. A material gift can't ever amount to love and joy that is shared with these special people during the holidays.
Don't let yourself fall into a pit of debt from buying your family and friends gifts straight out of the Apple store. Your loved ones can feel your love and your presence right in front of them. Unwrapping a present from you is just an added bonus that should never be expected of anyone.
I think about how Christmastime must be such a difficult, stressful time for families who struggle financially and are unable to purchase gifts for their own children. But they do have each other on that cold Christmas morning and that is all that matters.
The reason for the season is Jesus, after all. Why should we be so caught up in buying weird gifts to make other people happy when all the happiness in the world comes from the joy that Christ brings? He gave the ultimate gift of sacrifice and love, which is really all it should come down to.
The best gift that I have ever received for Christmas is getting to spend time with family and friends. It is all I could ask for in the world. To be able to be at home, in my own bed, and catching up with old friends over dinner is the best Christmastime in the world.
Your bank account should not have to suffer and neither should you. So, stop stressing about how you are going to pay off your credit card and start showing your loved ones how much you appreciate them in your life.