December 08, 2011

Preparing for the Holidays: Keep Your Heart and Wallet Full

A mile-long gift list, fighting over parking spaces at the stores, a shrinking wallet, stress from having too much to do and not enough time to do it – these are just a few of the holiday challenges that do not bring good cheer. However, couple that with a dismal economy and the fact that the average family has already had to tighten their belt this year, and the holidays can be even more challenging. To get the most cheer out of the holiday season, both emotionally and economically, consider these four tips to maximize joy with minimal time, money and energy.

Put your dollars on a diet
I would guess even jolly Saint Nicholas will be tightening his belt this year, as visions of soaring debt levels and disappointing unemployment rates dance in holiday shoppers’ heads. Balancing any post-recession family budget requires some serious shopping sacrifices. Whether it involves saying “no” to some of your kids’ wants, not throwing a big celebration for every event or simply clipping more coupons and dining in more, everyone is trying to maintain their lifestyle with less available money. This holiday season is an opportunity to be kind to your pocketbook, finding less expensive ways to be even jollier and share that joy with loved ones.

Develop a doable budget
It is important to acknowledge that holiday spending from now until New Years entails much more than just buying gifts. Consider all expenses that go into the preparation, planning and even recovering from the various events and gatherings, and build these into a budget that you can stick to! Don’t forget the hostess gifts for parties, the luncheons with girlfriends, the postage for cards and the bows, boxes and wrapping paper. Following a budget can help prevent holiday spending remorse come January.

Shrink your stuff not your spirit
Here’s a challenge: take a stroll through your home and notice all the stuff. Take a peek in the closets, garage and those high kitchen cabinets. I bet you find more unneeded, unused things than not. The “stuff” in our lives can be emotionally and financially draining. Do you really need or want to receive more itchy sweaters or useless appliances? Let your close friends and family know you are satisfied with minimal gifts, if any, this year. Consider cleaning out some closets and making a donation to a coat drive or other holiday charity. Your spirit (and wallet) will rejoice.

Give for a greater good
Does your father-in-law really need another tie? Will the pajamas you picked for grandma really warm her heart? You can still give a unique and personal gift to loved ones while also giving for a greater good. You can aacknowledge a cause they are passionate about by making a donation to a charity, non-profit or other cause that he or she supports. Making online donations not only saves time and energy, but also lets your loved one know you support what is important to them. Your friend or family member will feel honored and celebrated that you thought of their values and passions and made a difference for others with a greater need.

You can do more of what is truly important with less time, energy and money spent this holiday season! Celebrate this time of year with gifts of love and truly giving back to others. The only cost is the reward you will receive.

If you find holiday stress overwhelming and lingering into the New Year, professional help, such as counseling, can help. If you or someone you love needs help, contact Centerstone at 888-291- HELP (4357).

About Centerstone
Centerstone, a not-for-profit organization, is the nation's largest provider of community-based behavioral healthcare. It provides a full range of mental health, addiction and related educational services to more than 75,000 individuals of all ages each year. The organization has nearly 130 facilities and 220 partnership locations throughout Indiana and Tennessee. It also operates the Centerstone Foundation; the Centerstone Research Institute (CRI), which is improving mental healthcare through innovative research and information technology; Not Alone, which provides confidential, no-cost support and mental health services to service members, combat veterans and their loved ones; and Advantage Behavioral Health, a behavioral health administrative management organization.

Susan GillpatrickAbout Susan Gillpatrick, MEd, LPC, CTS
Susan Gillpatrick, Centerstone Crisis Management Specialist, primarily works in the field with clients in critical incident response situations, and in Centerstone’s wellness trainings and presentations.  She is also responsible for planning and implementing marketing and growth strategies for Centerstone’s Crisis Management Strategies.

Ms. Gillpatrick is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Trauma Specialist, Certified Workplace Conflict Mediator, and Mental Health Service Provider in the state of Tennessee and a National Certified Counselor.  She is also a member the American Counseling Association, the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists, the Tennessee Mental Health Counseling Association, and the Middle Tennessee Employee Assistance Professionals Association.  She is a frequent presenter at local and national conferences, and has had numerous articles published.  She received her Master of Education degree in Human Development Counseling from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University.

To request Susan Gillpatrick to speak with your group or organization about complete wellness in living, contact her at (615) 460-4445 or susan.gillpatrick@centerstone.org.