Memories, not money are what the holidays are about
While decking the halls, trimming the tree and listening to jolly tunes may put many in the holiday spirit, it’s not the case for everyone.
For some, stress over money, decorating, dinners and gifts put a damper on the joy.
Finances are a big source of holiday stress for some, said Monessen financial planner Gary Boatman.
His top suggestion for abating financial strain that can last beyond the month of December is to avoid using credit cards unless they can be paid in full at the end of each month.
“Never use a credit card if you are going to carry a balance. Some of those cards have 18 percent, 20 percent or 22 percent interest on them. That’s like a loan shark,” Boatman said.
Overindulging on holiday gifts isn’t worth it, he said, noting that it can cause unnecessary difficulties in meeting those necessary financial obligations moving forward.
“Be in control and make good decisions,” he said.
Dr. Deborah Mucha, a mental health professional from Connellsville, said holidays should be about memories.
While many strive for perfection – the “just right” decorations, gifts and dinners – those pressures cause unnecessary stress. It’s the missteps that often create the best memories.
“Imperfection just makes the holidays that much more special. If you burn the turkey, that’s just what happened in 2018. That’s what makes it perfect – that life happened,” she said.
Asking for help is key, be it in the form of making cookies, requesting your spouse taking over holiday decorating duties or having the children decorate the tree, she said. Then make those things a yearly tradition, further letting go of some holiday stress, Mucha suggested.
Hand-in-hand with that is allowing yourself the freedom to stop some of the things that are sources of stress, she said. The holidays will continue without Christmas cards, or perfectly wrapped presents.
“It’s important to give yourself permission to take it easy,” Mucha said. “Don’t put too many expectations on yourself.”
Taking that deep breath and letting go can seem like a challenge, but Mucha said it’s as simple as making your mind up to do it.
“Learn to live in the moment and let go of the perfection,” she said. “Realize you’re doing what really matters. It’s the people you’re with and the memories you’re making. That’s what’s important.”
Staff writer Amy Fauth contributed to this report.