Debt-free Christmas: How to bring wonder without going under

Christmas is all about giving. But you don’t have to give till it hurts. And the time it hurts most is when your January credit card bills start pouring in! This year, instead of going into debt, give low-cost gifts that are loaded with special memories. Some ideas:

• Make a Christmas movie. Instead of sending the dreaded Christmas letter, use your phone to make a video of family members saying what’s new in their lives. Edit it, add music and share with everyone on your list.
• Decorate the family tree. Do some research into your family’s genealogy, draw up a family tree and frame it.
• Give your time. Visit a loved one you don’t see very often. Or phone a few special people and spend some time finding out what’s going on in their lives.
• Bake up a storm. Make big batches of favorite cookies and treats, then wrap up a generous sampling for each person on your list.
• Give your skills. Give some lessons on social media, a couple of hours of landscaping, paint a room, or babysit.
• Dress-up fun. Give your kids hours of amusement with a box of funny, old-fashioned clothes from a second-hand store.
• Give a giggle. Save up funny stories and jokes and share them with loved ones. Use the phone so you can hear each other laugh!

Mark Kupina – mark@kmortgage.ca – 1.888.955.9011