Well, it’s that time of year again. The silly season, the season to be jolly, Christ’s birthday, a time for giving and a time for receiving. For many, it is also the time when bank accounts are drained because they are buying pointless gifts for relatives who don’t appreciate it. It is also a time when going grocery shopping becomes a war in the car park, and a trample fest if you’re lucky enough to make it inside.
It is true. The real meaning of Christmas has been lost to the retailers, and the nutters who only care about how much money can be spent on them. For the hard workers out there, this is meant to be that holiday time at the end of the year when they can take a break, but even this concept has become a sham, as nearly every “public holiday” (minus Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday), sees most working anyway, just at a higher rate.
As a result, so many people now dread Christmas. It is too commercial, it is impossible to find any peace in a public setting, and it’s meaning is lost. But how can you enjoy Christmas as it is meant to be enjoyed?
For the Christians, that will generally mean spending more time at church as they praise Jesus Christ.
Some people who do not identify as Christians feel like a hypocrite by celebrating the holiday, and often feel suffocated by it from October through to the end of December, but they really shouldn’t feel guilty.
For people like me who are not religious, I feel it fair to say that the point of Christmas is the time to spend with family and friends doing what is most important. But how can one possibly do this without having to become a product of the holiday and sending themselves broke?
- Treat Christmas Day like any other gathering. This may sound strange, with how often we’ve been told to treat every day like Christmas.
By this I mean, organise for everyone to bring a dish so that the cost is reasonable for everyone. Don’t just make one person host and be lumped with the bill, because one day that could be you. Also, put forward what you would like to eat on the day! There is no point having to pay for ham and prawns if you’re not even going to eat them. There is something to be said for tradition: it tends to be overrated! If you want fairy bread, party pies, sausage rolls or pizza, get them! There is no law against being different on Christmas Day. - Set a budget on presents and limit how much you have to buy extended family members. One foolproof method of doing this is setting a $100 spending limit with your significant other, and for everyone else: Secret Santa. Names are drawn out of a hat and everyone buys a $30 gift for the person they have chosen.
- Get in the spirit and decorate. Don’t go overboard though. Even on a modest budget, it is never hard to find a good special on a small Christmas tree, some tinsel and lights. When Christmas is over, you can pack the decorations up and use them next year!
- When it comes to buying food for Christmas Day, plan ahead! Book your food if possible, or get to the supermarket nice and early on Christmas Eve to get your supplies.
- Plan your shopping trips carefully!
The second half of December is an absolute rat race when it comes to performing simple tasks like going to the supermarket. Thursday mornings are the time when pensioners do their shopping, and there is usually a lull between 1 and 3 before the mothers come shopping with their kids after school. At 6 o’clock you’ll also get that dinner rush. Keep these times in mind and try to pick a quiet time to shop. Sometimes however, there is just no predicting when it will be busy, and we need to be patient during this busy time. - Put your patient pants on. It’s a hectic time! Over Christmas is the time when most businesses take time off. Because of this, it sends a panic through the clientele. Blowing up in anger because you’ve had to wait a little extra time for an appointment does not help anyone, and will only upset you, and the people around you. If possible, set aside extra time for appointments and errands, and should you have to wait, be prepared with a book to read, or some games on your phone to pass the time.
- If you’re planning to take a holiday, be careful when and where you go. Chances are, many other people have had the same idea as you. Most coastal areas with motels and caravan parks book out months in advance, and if you’re lucky enough to get in somewhere, you’ll be surrounded by other young families with children.
- Be thrifty, not grinchy! Being more aware of the fact that Christmas is just another day of the year and being careful with your money doesn’t mean that you refuse to embrace the holiday, or worse still, put down the people who do embrace it. Do your best to enjoy the occasion, and have a laugh with your family and friends.
- Don’t be selfish. Most of us would love to have every member of our family sitting around the table at the same time having lunch. Unfortunately, there are at least two sides to every family, and compromises must be made. Don’t be one of those people who demands Christmas lunch every year, “Because it’s tradition”. It’s all about compromise. Talk about it with the family. One foolproof method is to alternate, so that at least every second year you get your turn.
- This is for the non-religious holidayers. Don’t get yourself into the middle of something that isn’t your scene. Discuss the happenings of Christmas Day with your family and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the theme of the day.
Christmas Day is not everyone’s favourite holiday, but celebrating it does not mean being the Christmas nazi, or the Grinch. There is something to be said for tradition: it is overrated. Put your own spin on the day, and do what you want to do, so that both you and your loved ones enjoy the day!
With these tips you can get through the silly season that little bit easier.
All the best from Brett for Christmas and a Happy New Year!
