Christmas is a time of joy, excitement, and stress. Stress has not always been an emotion I associate with Christmas; it has just recently made the list. Being a college student, my budget for Christmas shopping is very small! I have all these big gift ideas for the special people in my life, but with about $15 in my bank account and some coins I found under the couch cushion, it is hard to make those big ideas turn into a reality.

During the last couple of years, I have learned how to still feel like I am giving great gifts to friends and family with a small budget. The saying “it’s the thought that counts” is a motto I have adopted in my teenage years. The main key to my Christmas shopping strategy is listening. Since I am not able to spend a bunch of money on a great gift, I have to make sure the person is really going to appreciate it.

For instance, my mom mentioned about a month ago how she really wanted one gift in particular. At the time, I just assumed she was talking like she always does (lol she could talk to the wall). But even though I was only slightly paying attention, I remembered what she wanted when I walked up on the perfect gift for her last week!

I do most of my Christmas shopping with coupons, and I have no shame about it! To be able to get everyone on my list something, I have to be a smart shopper. Shopping at a store like Walmart makes that super easy. I am able to check over everyone on my list while not breaking the bank!

Christmas does not have to be about how big the gift is, but it's more about the thought and effort put into the gift. I want my friends and family to know they mean the world to me, and I plan on showing them their value and importance through small meaningful gifts. Because it is the thought that counts.