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Mistakes are common during the holidays. You might find yourself buying expensive items beyond your budget or buying items only for them to get rejected.
While it is easy to get carried by the frenzied mood in the festive season, you should avoid making the following mistakes.
Focusing on the External
If you are not content with what you have, you are getting it all wrong. Christmas, or any other holiday for that matter, is not about buying the most elegant gifts you can get. It is more about being around those that matter to you.
Instead of trying to put a show you cannot afford, pay attention to what you care about. Only buy what you can manage to pay for.
Getting Everything on Your Wish List
Another mistake that most people make is buying everything on their children’s wish list. There is no need for spending $1,000 to purchase your child a gaming PC only for you to regret afterwards.
The solution to this challenge is having a budget and sticking to it. Before you go shopping, ensure that your kids have practical gifts in their wish lists.
Also, your kids do not need lots of toys. If you are planning to buy them a new set, consider selling the old toys to a thrift shop or donating them to charity.
Neglecting Post-Holiday Sales
Have you ever asked yourself where Christmas gifts go after December 25? Although merchants spend lots of money to advertise these gifts, the truth is their value depreciates once the big day elapses.
You can save a substantial amount of money by waiting for the post-holiday sales. If you are lucky enough, you will get items that will be useful the following Christmas, such as gift bags, ribbon, and wrapping paper.
Re-gifting
In some cases, you might not need a gift and decide to pass it over to another person. This is known as re-gifting. If you opt for this method, ensure that the present is still new or in a pristine condition. If it has a card, confirm that is it is not addressed to another person other the one you intend to gift.
Being Selective
If you are buying gifts for a large group, avoid being selective. Picking favourites will only leave some people feeling snubbed. This also applies to the type of gifts you buy. You should buy the same kind for everyone. For instance, you could get gifts cards to a restaurant.
Buying Provocative Gifts
A gift is supposed to bring joy to the recipient, not evoke negative emotions. For instance, giving some people a gym membership or a diet cookbook may come out as offensive. Such a gift is the same as telling somebody ‘hey, you are fat.’ Unless you know somebody well, or they request for such a present, it is better to avoid it.
Conclusion
Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year that lifts everybody’s spirits. However, one wrong move could ruin the party for everyone. Avoid the mistakes above, and you are guaranteed a happy Christmas.