627: CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

“Christmas is about giving. Be outrageously generous. Have fun, enjoy the process… then keep it up all year.” —Dave Ramsey

Christmas. 

It shows up on the calendar every year on December 25th. It’s filled with Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, stockings, and gifts. 

And yet… it seems as if it sneaks up on you when it comes to planning and finances. Christmas shopping happens every year which means there may be a discussion or two around your finances.

• How much are we going to spend on Christmas shopping and who are we shopping for this year?
• Are we shopping for each other? How much are we each going to get?
• Who will be getting gifts from us this year? 

Although you may see Christmas as a “season of giving”, it’s more about an opportunity to build your financial intimacy. Sometimes, however, the “spirit of the season” gets in the way. But why?

Christmas shopping seems to start earlier and earlier each year. Stores start sprinkling in Christmas starting in September and by October you are bombarded with marketing messages to buy this or buy that.

Then comes Black Friday deals that last the entire month of November. Cyber sales and an endless amount of emails offering for many amazing gifts. 

Followed by the pull to buy for everyone, Aunt Susie or cousin Tom or your favorite barista, the mailman, and your dog, Max.

For some, gifts equal happiness, and the more gifts the more happiness you experience. 

Because of all these things, you as a couple may feel a pull against the Financial Intimacy Pillar that you have built. 

This is why it’s so important for the two of you to talk about what gift-giving means to each of you. It’s also a great time to discuss the emotions you experience if you aren’t able to give to someone that you care about. 

You can also further build on the conversation by asking yourself who all the people on your lists are. Then explore your budget and how you’ll manage the expectations of others for the betterment of your marriage. 

There are so many options for making Christmas shopping work for you and your marriage. From making gifts or giving experiences rather than buying gifts, there are so many ways to let those around you feel that they are loved and appreciated. 

This season isn’t only about physical gift-giving. It’s about building your financial intimacy in a season that can generally be high stress. Focus on your financial pillar as a base to keep you focused and headed in the right direction.