Say no to holiday spending: Ways to give without being a grinch

The holiday season is in full swing and with that comes the joyous music, sweet smells of delicious food, and precious family time. The holidays are a great time to relax and prepare for the New Year.
However, this time of year has also turned into a consumerist frenzy, with many people stressing about money, running around trying to find the perfect gifts, and some
even going into further debt to pay for all holiday expenditures.
But there’s a better way! You can say “no” to holiday spending without being a grinch. I know thisbecause of my personal experience.
Several years ago, after leaving my hometown to pursue graduate school in New York, I was faced with the option of buying expensive plane tickets to visit home during the holidays. At the time, they were over $600 and as a broke graduate student already mired in debt, I really couldn’t afford it.
I had to break the news to my family and friends that we’d be spending our very first holiday apart. It was tough, but I gave them advanced warning. In addition to saying no to expensive travel, I have completely rejected the idea of traditional gift giving during the holidays. I’ve decided to show my family and friends that I care in other more valuable ways.
If you’re feeling stretched thin during the holidays, here are some tips to show your family and friends you care without spending money.

Focus on Spending Time Not Money

The holidays are meant for being with the people that matter most. Instead of spending money you don’t have, or risk buying a gift someone doesn’t like, commit to spending time and not money.
When I go home for the holidays, I make sure to spend a fun day with my loved ones. Maybe we go out for coffee, dinner, or happy hour — or even have a cheap potluck — but we spend time together, in an inexpensive, lowpressure way. We catch up, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
It is possible to have a meaningful holiday season without going into debt or breaking the bank.

I’m lucky in that I have a small family and my friends are mostly in similar situations as me financially.

If you have a large family, or a family with a lot of kids, consider getting something for the kids and a just a simple card (or cheap gift) for the adults. You can get affordable used items, or use coupons to get something small. Remember, the holidays are about spending time, not money. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed
or even worse, find yourself in debt because of the In some cases, I sent handmade cards with heartfelt notes. It’s not that I don’t believe in the gesture of giving, it’s just that I prefer to do it in a minimalist, simple way that focuses on the essence of relationships.
I think sending a handwritten card can be immensely powerful during the holidays. If you’e creative, consider making or crafting something for the holidays.
If you are good in the kitchen, then consider baking something for friends and family.
There are so many other things you can do during the holidays that require little to no money at all. Just be up-front with everyone, and set expectations head of time, if you have friends and family that are expecting something from you.

Set Expectations Ahead of Time

One of the main reasons I stopped participating in holiday spending and gift giving is because I’m a minimalist. I personally don’t need anything else to clutter my home, and I don’t want to give items to someone they may or may not like.
I’m all about experiences and things we could do together, not stuff, which is why I prefer the getting together route. Several years ago when I decidedI was going to go against the grain and not participate in holiday gift giving,
I set expectations with my family and friends. I made it clear that I wanted to spend time and not money on people. To make sure it wasn’t taken personally, I said that my current financial situation didn’t afford me much and that I valued our time together and conversation  more. I planned something to do with them, rather than something in place of that.