WHEN THE HOLIDAYS ARE HARD
For many people the holidays are difficult. When the holidays are hard they can be a constant reminder of family and friends that are no longer around. The holidays that once felt Joyful now are filled with sadness and the reminder of loss. How can we move past this sadness and discover some holiday joy again?
If you are dealing with the sadness and pain of the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the financial stress related to the holidays, this post can help you find ways to discover joy, and get more creative and resourceful this year.
When the holidays are a reminder of the pain of loss
There is no easy fix for the pain of a lost loved one that surfaces during the holidays. I have many loved ones that come to mind as I write this post and fresh tears are still a reminder of my love for them. You cannot make these feelings go away but you can honor them in special ways this year when you feel those reminders of their loss.
I challenge you this year as you remember those you love who are no longer here to find a way to bless someone else in their honor. We all know that our loved ones who are now gone have left a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled. Many others have that same void that they also feel each year. I challenge you to reach out to others that might be feeling the same way and offer some support. I challenge you to look for ways to bless others with them in mind. Is there a charity that they held dear? Why not donate your time or resources this year as your gift to them?
Give to others in honor of those we have lost
Not everyone has a lot of money available, especially this year. That is OK because blessing someone else does not always require a lot of money. Time and the thought behind the gesture are often enough to make a huge impact without a lot of money. Here are a few examples of ways to do just that:
Make a phone call to someone who may be dealing with a similar loss
Make and deliver a holiday meal to someone living alone
Purchase a holiday gift that you anonymously send to someone
Buy a gift that you would normally give to them and donate it or give it to someone in need
Donate money, even a small amount in their honor to a charity
These are just a few ideas that can bring a smile to someone else's face and some joy to your own heart. These simple acts of kindness in the memory of your loved ones can bring you joy and bless someone else at the same time.
When the holidays are hard because of money
The loss of loved ones is just one of the reasons the holidays can be difficult for many. It is not the only reason, in fact, for many the holidays are even tougher this year than ever. With the current state of our economic situation, the lack of money and resources is very real. The loss of jobs and layoffs is widespread across the U.S. this year and many of us are dealing with a financial crisis.
While dealing with a financial crisis you may still feel the pressure and stress of holiday expenses. Financial stress is common every year during the holidays. Many simply cannot afford basic expenses month to month much less additional gifts that are expected.
It is OK to decline gift-giving with friends and family, especially this year. It is not an easy topic to address but it is necessary to prevent further financial difficulties in the coming year. If you chose to give gifts instead of having that difficult conversation let me make a few suggestions.
Cheap gift ideas on a very tight budget
Use your best judgment when selecting which gift ideas are best. Some of the ideas below will not work for everyone.
Bake something simple and delicious. The Dollar Tree has great holiday containers and packaging that could work for this if you need some. Example: $1 for a holiday cookie container and some homemade holiday cookies can be a simple and thoughtful gift.
Create your own gift basket. Another visit to the dollar tree and a selection of various gift items can help you create this easily. How about a movie night gift basket? This can be made with movie theatre candy boxes popcorn and a cheap movie (Dollar Tree, Walmart, and even Amazon have some cheap selections) For $15 or less you can make a very creative gift for a family of 4. The best part of this type of gift is that you also help them create a great family memory together. Another gift basket idea could be a hot chocolate night for a family with hot cocoa, marshmallows, candy toppings, or even mugs that you selected for each family member. Get creative and come up with some ideas of your own to stretch your dollars this year.
Are you artistic? Do you paint or draw? Use your talents to create something special for everyone on your list. It might not cost a lot but it can be very special and can really show that you care.
Re-gift an item that is unopened. Not everyone can do this and not everyone should. Gifts however that are unopened and in great condition and not something you will ever use or need can qualify. What good is it doing you if you never use it? Why not re-gift it to someone who actually will use it and enjoy it? Example: If someone bought you a duplicate DVD that is sitting on your shelf unwrapped and unused find someone on your list that would appreciate it.
These are just a few cheap gift ideas that can help you give a meaningful gift this year on a tight budget. I also share frequent freebies on my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts that might be helpful as gift ideas. Big Lots is one company that has given back a lot this year with free items from Christmas lights, candy, and even DVDs. These items can easily be used in some way to help stretch your holiday budget.
Financial hardships during the holidays
Buying gifts might not be the only financial difficulty that you are currently experiencing this year. If you are struggling just to put food on the table, make rent, pay for child care, or clothe yourself and your children you are not alone. Here are a few ways that you might be able to do so without a lot of money this year.....
Clothing yourselves for cheap
Maybe you are aware and maybe not but Goodwill Industries does not only provide support to those in need they also have thrift stores. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army are a huge support to the entire community through the sales of low-cost shoes and clothing year-round. Clothing donated to Goodwill Industries is resold within the local community at very low costs. The majority of my own clothing comes from my local Goodwill stores. I buy shoes in great condition often for under $5 a pair, Pants for under $5, and shirts or pajamas for $3 – $4. Children's clothing is even cheaper and can be between $1 and $5 depending on the items. You can find coats, boots, and almost any item you need at one of their many locations. I have purchased brand-new items with tags still in place many times in the past. Goodwill also offers discount days where certain colored tags are half off the normal price that day.
How to get more food for cheap or free
I have survived periods of time when I could not afford food. I lived off whatever I could get for free or swiped my ID at work to pay for my meals off of my upcoming paycheck. These times were very tough and I am so grateful that I am not dealing with this now. Although I do realize that many are and many cannot afford to simply purchase groceries.
Food pantries are available within most local communities but even they have been hit hard this year. There are however a few different ways that you may still be able to get food for free or very cheap….
Aldi offers the best prices on almost any food item that I have seen and is in many cities around the U.S. The Dollar Tree also sells food for very cheap and can be a great resource during times like this.
Local food banks can be a good resource for those in need. To find times and locations you can do a google search for locations within your community and give them a call to check on dates, times, and any requirements.
Churches also have food pantries that are often overlooked. Food is typically donated by those who attend the church and there is usually a day set aside for food to be picked up by those in need. You could start by calling your local church office to see if they offer anything that could be helpful during this time. Do not be ashamed or intimidated you are not alone and not the only one using these opportunities today.
I occasionally share freebies I discover on my social media accounts. One company that has given back a lot this year is Big Lots. For their rewards customers, they provide a free item almost every weekend and I try to share these frequently on my Instagram account.
Another way to save on Groceries is by using Grocery apps like Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Fetch rewards. These Apps help me get some money back after my shopping trips almost every week.
Fetch Rewards is also offering points for those who sign up using my code when they scan their first receipt thru Sunday 12/20 you can get 2,000 points using my referral code V8QKN.
Ibotta also offers similar offers from time to time for those who sign up using my referral code Ch4sna. Ibotta offers many rebates including rebates that pay you back 100% for certain items purchased. Another great thing about joining using my referral code is that we become teammates and can help each other earn even more money back through teamwork.
Having trouble paying rent, utilities, and bills?
Try some of these great organizations that might be able to provide assistance temporarily in your time of need.
The Salvation Army has helped provide assistance for many who are in need.
Visit the link provided for more details and reach out to your local Salvation Army for help.
United way offers many resources on their website and through a simple phone call
I highly encourage you to call them if you are struggling, to get some more details on what they offer.
You can still find joy and spread joy this season
In all of the hardships that you may be experiencing this year let me remind you that there are people who still care. You matter and through the help of others, you can make it through these difficult times. Remember that Joy is from within and can still be experienced even in the most difficult times. You can spread joy this holiday season whether you are struggling yourself or not.
If you are not struggling financially this year why not consider donating to local food banks, pantries, Goodwill, Salvation Army, United Way, and local churches to help share Joy while many are struggling? Making just a small effort this year can have a huge impact on the lives of many.