Spending the holidays without overspending
In today’s struggling economy, the average consumer is often on the lookout for ways to cut back on expenses at every corner – including holiday shopping. No matter what is spent, the holiday of gift giving can still be something special, memorable and unique.
Senior Scarlet Fuentes says, “I have general savings set up already. I always have money saved. It’s a good thing to have.” Saving also frees the mind from worrying too much and just focus on the value of the occasion.
Junior Miranda Ashlock says, “I think about it in advance and try to figure out what people might like.”
Some students have already devised plans on how to earn and save money for the upcoming holiday. Freshman Maria Mendoza says, “I do a lot of baby sitting and I save the money.”
Meanwhile, freshman Akil Hamsath earns his savings in an old-fashioned way. He says, “I usually ask my mom for money. But before, I [did] have piggy banks.”
Moreover, creativity is a good alternative not only to get through the holiday spending but also to make someone feel special. Junior Stephanie Lin says, “I make my own gifts. Usually, I bake cookies and brownies and give them to my friends.”
Creativity also results in more meaningful gifts. Ashlock adds, “I work in a flower shop and I ended up learning the symbol of flowers like red means admiration and love. And [if] you give a bouquet of flowers that means something.”
Another thing people look forward to during the holidays are inexpensive family traditions. Junior Hillary Koh narrates, “We stay home for Christmas and open presents. Last time, we did a movie marathon and watched three movies. [After that,] we got dizzy.”
On the other hand, Junior Siv Vuch Wu’s house has a different tradition. She says, “We have a party and do a karaoke. Everyone participates even if they cannot sing.”
For people who love to be with others and appreciate the outside world, going on a small trip can also be done inexpensively. Koh says, “We like to go to San Francisco and look at the big Christmas tree in front of Macy’s.” Being away from the usual haven provides someone a different view of the holiday. Junior Hanna Koh adds, “We go to Union Square because we just like the Christmas spirit, the atmosphere, the surrounding and the giant Christmas tree. It just gives me a nice feeling inside, warm and nice.”
Other than the gifts and activities, the holiday is often not complete without the final touch of decorations. Buying different things every year can be very expensive and waste of materials. Mendoza admits, “We had decorations for when I was in second grade and we definitely reuse decorations.” This is also a way to pass on traditions to the next generation.
Ashlock adds, “We have decorations that came down through our family that are really old. We have like old ornaments that our great grandma gave to us.”
Preparing food can also be done economically and can be a source of cooperation within the family members. Mendoza narrates, “I invite my relatives and everyone bring a dish. We have enough food to feed 25 [people]. We have a potluck and everyone participates in cleaning up.” The highlight of eating at home is that everyone can enjoy delicious food without leaving any empty wallets. Mendoza adds, “It’s like a family project. I remember when my mom taught me how to cook fish and everyone liked it. Instead of going to a restaurant, you buy it and you do it yourself.”
Family celebrations can be simple but fun. The holiday is not defined by how much money people spent, but by how it is enjoyed.
