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Christmas, Happiness, and Money
by Nikki Willhite
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There is a lot of temptation during
this holiday season (which seems to begin earlier each year) to spend money,
even if we don't have it. I know from the letters that I receive that some
people have feelings of inadequacy or sadness that they are not able to give
their children the kinds of presents that they see other children receiving.
This is a good time to step back, time
out, and think about money and the role that money has when it comes to our
personal happiness, and the well being of our families.
Money does not make a person
happy...period! Lack of money can make one miserable, but money does not
make you happy. It may bring a temporary euphoria, but it does not last.
Do you remember ever really wanting
something that cost money? Do you remember how excited you were when you got
it? How long did that feeling last?
I remember how excited I was when we
purchased our first home. I thought I would be on "Cloud 9" forever.
I still remember waking up the day after we moved into that house, walking
down the hallway, looking into the living room, and thinking "so what?"
I surprised myself by my reaction. It
was so strong and vivid that I remember it to this day. Yes, we had a house,
but none of the important things had changed. A hug by my 2-year-old son
wasn't any sweeter in that house than it had been in our apartment.
This is not to say that home ownership
is not a worthy goal and good for our financial stability and prosperity.
When we can take control of our finances and not have them control us, we
free ourselves to spend our time in more meaningful ways.
I was lucky when I was young to have
the choice to stay home and raise my sons. I treasure every moment of time I
spent with them. There isn't anything- and I mean anything- that I could
have done that would have been more meaningful to me, or is worthy to be
compared to that great blessing.
In today's world, a lot of women are
not so fortunate. It is very difficult to live on one income. I wonder how
my sons will manage when their wives stop working. It is not so easy today.
This Christmas, I encourage you to
place your family's welfare above the pressures of the season to spend
money. If you have it, great. If not, do not feel badly. Do the best you
can.
If you are struggling financially,
whether it is your fault or not, just turn your ship in the right direction,
and do your best. The sun is still going to come up tomorrow and shine on
you, no matter what your financial situation. Just do the best you can, and
take comfort and peace of mind from that.
If you are unwillingly forced to work
outside the home because of your financial situation, remember this.
Children are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. They know your
heart. They can tell if you are working to provide for your family's needs,
or if you are working to get away from them, or to buy a luxury items.
If they don't know it now, they will
someday. I have seen many a grown man's eyes well up with tears as he talked
about how his mother had to work to help pay the family bills.
Put your family first this Christmas.
Take strength in your faith. Follow the road that will lead you to true
happiness. Do not let lack of money deprive you of the Joy of this Holiday
Season.
Be positive, be happy, and stand
firm against all who would entice you to spend beyond your means.
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About the Author: Nikki Willhite,
mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing
articles on the topic of
frugal living for over a
decade. Visit her at
www.frugalhappyfamilies.com
- where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal
Happy Families- more than just money! Article first published at
www.allthingsfrugal.com
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