Christmas is almost here and many of you have a long list of people for whom you “need” to buy presents. Many of you most likely do not have the money set aside to pay for all those gifts. Many of those gifts are probably large ticket items, such as X-Boxes, PlayStations, flat screen TV’s, digital cameras, etc. How are you going to pay for these expensive items? You are most likely going to charge them on the credit card on which you have not reached your credit limit.
Is this a smart move on your part? NO! This is one of the dumbest things you can do. Please do not buy any gifts for which you cannot pay for immediately. Or at the very least, if you do charge them, make sure you pay the credit card bill off in full when you get it. If your list exceeds your money, shorten your list. Many of us have large families, aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews, etc. for whom we feel obligated to buy gifts. Chances are they don’t remember what you gave them last Christmas and for which you are still paying on on your credit card.
You need to be honest with your family and tell them that you cannot afford to buy gifts for everyone. Suggest a one gift exchange or suggest that instead of giving gifts to family members, you all buy a toy for a the Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, or Angel Tree, or that you donate money to one of the many charities that are helping those less fortunate. Let’s face it, you don’t need an another ugly sweater or a gift card that you forget you have and when you do remember it, it’s expired. I bet some of your family members and friends might feel relieved at not having to incur more debt.
Remember to be wise with the resources that God has entrusted to you. When we die, we’ll have to give an account to God. It’s better to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” As opposed to, “Get away from me you worker of inequity. I never knew you.” Merry Christmas and remember whom we are celebrating – JESUS not materialism.