Divorce Money Matters

It’s that time of year again when the hustle and bustle of the holidays hits us.  We seek an attitude of gratitude over Thanksgiving and then run head long right into the shopping, cooking, entertaining and in many cases, budget-busting gift giving holidays.

For many people, by the time the big day(s) get here, they are so exhausted and spent, literally and figuratively, that they have no energy left to enjoy them.  This year in particular, most people are feeling the economic crunch which can leave them feeling even more pressure to do more with less.

But I believe that within every challenge, and these are certainly challenging times, there are gifts within.  This year I hope that many will seek the true gifts that are meant for the holidays…give a piece of your heart.

There are many ways to show you care beyond just buying a gift.  Ways that are so genuine, they can only come from the hands and heart of the giver.  Think about old-fashioned ways of handcrafting something special.  Here are a few ideas:  Homemade candles and soaps; knit a scarf; bead jewelry; paint or draw a picture; make a piece of pottery; make cookies, breads or candies.  These can be very inexpensive ways to give a gift, but more importantly, they show the person how much they truly mean to you.

Another idea that I love came to me from a friend who lost her sister recently.  She is now going to give a legacy gift every year to her friends and family and ask for the same in return.  A legacy gift means don’t wait until you pass on to pass on the things that are near and dear to your heart.  Give them now - a special heirloom like a piece of jewelry or china…little things that are a piece of your heart and history. 

May you have a truly blessed holiday…  Lisa