If you're thinking about whipping out the plastic to make all your holiday dreams come true, THINK AGAIN! I've found out that if you have enough incentive, you can do practically anything. If you want it bad enough, you can have a totally DEBT-FREE Christmas. There are a million and one tips on how to save money during the holidays. So, I'm not going to tell you HOW to do it, I'm going to tell you WHY you should. If you have a big enough WHY, the HOW usually takes care of itself.

So, here's WHY you should NOT go into debt this Christmas:

1. Post Holiday Stress Disorder--This is a very real condition. This is what happens when you spend eight hours shouting in glee and exclaiming over gifts and then get the bills in the mail and find out you have to spend eight months paying it all off. That's one month of payment for every hour of elation! C'mon! Is the stress really worth it? You want to go into the new year with unlimited freedom, not with chains of debt keeping you imprisoned. The Christmas morning glee is not worth the furrowed brow and the worry you will carry with you in the days and months that follow. Avoid Post Holiday Stress Disorder by reigning in the spending now.

2. Life Lessons for Little Ones--When it comes to kids, more is caught than taught. They can hear you preach up a storm about making smart decisions in their lives. But if they see you racking up the debt in order to get a bunch of goodies this Christmas, they are learning that you really don't mean what you're saying. Buying on credit is NEVER a good idea. If you can't pay for it now, then pass it up. You'll be teaching your children a powerful lesson that they will carry with them the rest of their lives.

4. Distraction Protection--Getting caught up in checking off the Christmas list is a sure way to get our focus off the real reason for the season. God gave us His son, Jesus--to free us, not to imprison us in a distorted perception of this holiday. Nothing at all is wrong with presents and goodies this time of year. But when you make that your primary focus, and carry it so far as to make purchases that will burden you with debt, you are distracting yourself and your family from what really matters this season. Protect yourself by putting a limit on your spending. Try using creativity rather than credit this Christmas.

So, tell me...are you going debt-free this Christmas? Share how you're making it happen!!

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therounsevilles says

This year we are going to have a debt-free Christmas. We want to focus on Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas instead of running around buying things we cannot afford for us or for our kiddos. This year, I prayed about it and I came up with a bunch of creative ideas. I made scarves for my nieces out of fun flannel I had leftover from making pjs for my oldest and I. Making lots of beaded jewelry with supplies I already have. Got some great deals on some beautiful frames and using pictures and beautiful fabric and scrapbook material to make some gifts. And, also quality time together as a family . The best gift for my hubby and I.... spending more time together and less stress from spending money we don't have:-)

11/28/2011 at 04:55 pm

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parker005 says

I just heard this: how perfect!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY

11/29/2011 at 11:59 pm

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moadibp2 says

I love spending time with my family, and I love watching them shout for glee over the new things they get. But, I don't mind if the most they get is a new outfit that they needed in the first place. I try to gather a couple of things throughout the year, so that they get a little something more without breaking the bank all at once. I also make my kids give, even if it is just service to those around us. My kids may not appreciate that yet, but they are still young. I totally agree that they need to appreciate giving more than recieving. JC

12/04/2011 at 01:27 am

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