| Email: | BobbyMoore@altamesa.org |
| Missions: | http://www.altamesa.org/ministries/missions |
| Tree of Life: | http://www.altamesa.org/tol |
6 steps to avoiding the Post Christmas Blues.
Bobby Moore ( Associate Minister )
It was 4am in Newport, Arkansas when my alarm went off and I bounced out of bed, excited that it was Black Friday. Black Friday is the official first day of the Christmas Shopping Season, and I wanted to be first in line for the sales. Now Newport, Arkansas has only one choice for early morning shopping and that of course is Wal-Mart. We pulled into the dark parking lot at 4:30 to see a line halfway out the parking lot. I grabbed my blanket, my special cookies my Gan-Gan (my grandmother) made, and I trekked out to join the masses. When there are over 300 people in line at five in the morning in a town of 7,000, there is a great rush of adrenaline, but the blues can catch up quickly. It was amazing to me how many people I heard saying they weren't there to really pick anything up, they just come to be a part of the madness. Now that is MADNESS!!
The Shopping industries job is to get you to spend money. Sometimes we get so caught up in the madness that we don't set boundaries; then when the Credit Card statements come in January, we have the post-Christmas Blues.
Here are a few steps to avoid the blues this January.
1. Set a budget and stick to it. The best way to do Christmas shopping is to do it with Cash or a Debit Card. I would encourage you to not even take your credit cards into the mall with you. Once the cash is gone the shopping is done.
2. If you have kids and are looking for electronics and game systems, don't feel bad about buying used games and systems. You can find some great prices at places like Gamestop. You can purchase the same system that is used for nearly 50% cheaper than brand new.
3. Don't be extravagant just to get noticed. Too many people buy big gifts, not for the joy of seeing the other person reaction, but to be noticed. That 3 dollar sausage roll is eaten just as quickly as the 24 dollar one that has all the extra cheese. Your co-workers, and friends will be just as grateful for the three dollar gift as they are for the 24 dollar gift. If not, are they really a friend?
4. In-laws are part of the package. If you have issues with in-laws and it causes stress around the house, remember the commitment you made to one another. That means warts and all. Start praying for the time that is so stressful, and have an open communication with your spouse. Ask them to pray for you as well. Trust that God can work on peoples hearts, even yours as you deal with loving those in the extended family.
5. Start a family Tradition. Make sure that you as a family are doing some type of service over the holidays. Over the years the kids won't remember every gift they got at Christmas, but they will remember the traditions. Start now going out as a family and buying a Christmas gift for someone on the Angel Tree, or go take sack lunches to the homeless on Christmas Eve. The things I remember about Christmas when I was young are the family gatherings, and taking groceries to families in need. Start a tradition with your family today of serving others. Then when the blues begin to come in January, you can remember helping others.
6. Remember the real reason. There is no better time in the year for you to have an open door to share your faith. Take opportunities to share the greatest Gift of all with everyone you come in contact. From the clerk at the store you are shopping in, to the person ringing the bell by the Salvation Army can, to your next door neighbor; don't miss a chance to give a gift that they will never forget.
Have a great Holiday Season.
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