The holidays should be a time for celebration. Most families look forward to gift giving and visits with loved ones. However, the winter holidays can also be stressful with hectic shopping and the holiday "hustle and bustle." Holidays can be even more complicated when finances (especially credit cards) become overwhelming.
Instead of risking possible over-spending, consider alternative gifts. The following suggestions from Virginia Tech assistant professor in consumer education Melissa Chase, family and financial management Extension specialist Celia Ray Hayhoe, and consumer education Extension agent Karen Munden can help you to reduce holiday expenses and make gifts that will be treasured by family and friends.
* A nice gift for a couple: offer to watch their children overnight and fill a basket with food for dinner and breakfast the next morning (avoid perishable items). You could give a family dinner and a gift certificate for a video rental.
* Fill a small box or basket with hand-made "gift certificates," which can be redeemed for a home-cooked meal, grocery shopping trip, pet sitting, baby sitting, or other activity.
* Shop thrift shops and second-hand stores for interesting items.
* Make a remembrance book. You can buy ready- made books to fill in or create your own by typing or writing memories of your family tree, family history, what things were like when you grew up. Include family traditions and special memories of the person you are giving the book to. And, include photos if you have them. If you have trouble writing, you can use a tape recorder or a video camera if one is available.
* Make a small donation in a friend's or family member's name to a charity or cause that you know is important for them.
An outrageous toy: Megan Boler, associate professor of teaching and learning, can speak about JC Penney's "Forward Command Post." She has discussed this toy with her class and even purchased one "because it is so outrageous." https://courseware.vt.edu/users/mboler/
Responding to stress: Scott Johnson Licensed Marriage and Family TherapistAssociate Professor & Director, Marriage and Family Therapy Doctoral ProgramIs available to discuss any aspect of family relationships, including coping with stress, depression, etc.http://www.chre.vt.edu/HD/johnson.html
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