Celebrate The Season One Nation Under God

Americans struggle this time of year with celebrating the holidays.  For some, it's a lonely time.  For some, it's an exciting time.  For others, it's a crazy busy time.  For others, it's a time when you dread it.  Whatever your struggle this time of year, it is wise to keep some perspective that money can't buy yet provides a return far greater than your investment portfolio.

Getting back in touch with your spiritual side is a nice start.  I listened this morning on the CBS show where three clerics respectively representing the Islam, Jewish and Christian religions spoke about The Deeper Meaning of the Holidays  All three commented on why Americans aren't as in touch with their spiritual side.  For one thing, many are busy and are trying to buy things to satisfy needs.  All agreed that Americans aren't as spiritual as in past times. 

Relationships take time, and you need to invest in them.  It's intimidating for many who must use a credit card to satisfy certain needs.  You cannot buy love.  Though love is unseen, not tangible and not readily available, it is experienced by many so we know it exists.  Perhaps past hurts prevent you from opening yourself back up and being vulnerable to receiving and/or giving love.  If that is the case, then by all means take your time but do not keep the wall up preventing the WHAT IF love really happens this time.  It's a risk well worth taking.

Forgiveness is key.  Impossible to forgive...I believe not....It takes courage and swallowing your pride to forgive.  Though many see this as weakness, it is greater strength than any football player or Olympic champion can ever display.  God forgives us, and perhaps He is desiring us to forgive Him.  We can learn to forgive by forgiving others. 

We are one nation under God.  Isn't it neat that all can celebrate this time of year?

Holiday Season Tips

Frantic about the end of the year?  You are not alone.  Many are.  In addition to all the holiday season busyness, Americans are dealing with an economy that is dismal regarding employment.  For many, Christmas will not be as great as in years past. 

1.  Check your end of the year financials.  The old expression of getting your house in order is recommended. 
2. Budget for holiday gift giving and go lean!  Everyone understands that people aren't doing as much as in years past.
3. Spend less on your children and spend more time with them. 
4.  Travel with a purpose, meaning budget your auto fuel.  Try to merge two or more trips to the store into one.  Try to carpool or get a ride.  Walking, riding a bike or even taking an alternative means of transportation though full of hassles can free up cash elsewhere.  I know of a retired couple who sold their second car and share one vehicle. 
5.  Clothing goes on sale this time of year so be on the lookout for nice gift ideas or a new article of clothing for yourself. 
6.  Attend church especially the Christmas events.  They bring out a cheerful bit of our soul.  Plus they are free and some offer free child care depending upon the event.
7.  Gift cards are all over the place and make for easy gifts (or do they?).  If you are handing the recipient a gift, it is best to give cash.  Gift cards now come with a $3.95 activitation fee in addition to the amount on the card.
8.  Impulse spending occurs so quick as stores and salespeople put the push on you to spend spend spend.  Be wise.  Watch your wallet. 
9.  Technology is allowing thiefs to get ahold of your credit card.  Check your free credit score as well as your credit card and debit card.
10.  Shop during low volume of people times.  Weekends, after work and school holidays are when traffic will be high.  Plan a day off.  Better yet...shop online and plan to be at home when the UPS man delivers your package.