Regrets Are Avoidable...it's easy if you try.

Yesterday afternoon I finally made it to Safeway. I stopped at the Starbucks then went to pick up a prescription. The first two people I interacted with both said, "So, are you ready for the holiday's?" I guess that's standard for service people this time of year. Thinking on it now, my answers are interesting, at least to me. Both times I said, "Pretty much since my wife and I don't exchange gifts, the kids are grown, and our grandson is seventeen so he gets money." Then I added, "And we put up the outside lights last week-end."

Here it is, November 29th and we are officially, ready for the holiday's.

You'll notice my conception of the holiday is gift buying and decor. I guess that's fine because I don't celebrate the birth of Jesus. 

In the interest of avoiding interest I have some holiday money saving tips.

1. Do not overspend on high priced gift wrap and bags. Have you ever seen a British movie where they wrap fish & chips in newspaper? Or back in the 'old days' when raw fish was wrapped in newspaper? Same thing. Honestly, who cares what it's wrapped in? People, especially kids, want the present inside. Recycle newspapers, and for that extra shiny look, magazines are great. For the special lady in your life the Victoria Secrets catalog or gift bags are good for skimpy underpants and the like.

2. Do not, I repeat, do not overuse your credit card. It's much better to use it once than several times. So, rather than having to keep track of your spending and adding up all those small purchases simply take out a large cash advance. Then put away the card so you'll not be tempted to use it again. 

3. Always avoid shopping while guilty or excessively emotional. This means, Italians, Jews, Catholics and women going through menopause. It also precludes women who premenstrual suffer and are currently suffering. Men who cheat on their wives or girlfriends should stay away from the stores too. Also you should never shop after watching "Terms of Endearment" or "Steel Magnolias".

4. Trim your gift list before you trim the tree. There are a few ways to handle this. If money is tight send a handwritten card to your friend or loved one. Something as simple as "Broke this year but thinking of you" works. If things are really bad you can always send it postage due. On the other hand, you can always whip out that credit card you were supposed to put away.

5. Remember, nothing says I love you more than something hand made. If you can sew, make the man in your life a tie. Make a bow tie using simple ribbon and safety pins. Make fun and easy to use binoculars for the kids, empty Starbucks cups work great. Home made, not store bought, cake, cupcakes, cookies, banana bread, zucchini bread, or fruit and even meringue pie make nice gifts. For friends and family on diets try and find a recycled fruit cake. Although probably inedible they make excellent door stops.

But above all, remember the holiday season should be more about sharing and less about giving. Having a conversation doesn't cost a thing. A kiss and a hug, depending on who and where, goes a long way and doesn't cost a penny. The gift of compassion, caring, and love is free. 

And one more thing. This is not the first time I'm writing this, please, please, please remember. Not everyone you know has the capacity to say I'm sorry. I'm sure you have friends or family that aren't comfortable giving more of themselves and reaching out to you. If you have anyone like that in your life or when you look in the mirror you see that in your reflection, be a bigger person. It only takes a few minutes to say "I'm sorry." If you try that, I mean really try, and it doesn't bring you together.....well, like Randal P. McMurphy said, "Well Goddamn it, at least I tried. I did that much, didn't I?"