Some lessons are hard to learn. Some sacrifices are difficult to make. Today’s tip revolves around a difficult choice the King of Free and I made to help us stay focused on the goal of erasing debt.
Day 15: Give Up Gifts
I have always loved presents. I love a smartly wrapped gift. I love tissue paper, bows, ribbons, and don’t even get me started on a cool gift bag. Plus I love both giving and receiving thoughtful gifts. Nothing is more satisfying to me than going on the prowl for something I know someone I love will love. I love practical gifts. I love gifts of blessing. I love gifts.
And there’s no one I love giving gifts to more than the King of Free. I’ve been sweet on him for over 12 years now. I know the things he loves. I know the things that make him smile. I know his favorite foods, teams, colors, and brands.
But early on as we examined our lives and our debt slaying journey, cutting the budget where we could and trimming excess expenses away, one area of spending that got put on the chopping block early on was gift giving to each other. Specifically, we haven’t given each other a Christmas present since December of 2007.
This was verrrry hard for me.
But three years later, I honestly don’t miss it that much. On Christmas morning, I enjoy watching the girls open their presents. I enjoy playing with them and their new goodies. I enjoy sitting with the King and drinking a good cup of coffee.
To answer the deluge of FAQs before they arrive –
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| The $5 Target Gift Card is the most frequently given gift for Teachers and kids’ birthday parties in the Queendom. |
- No we were never the type of people who spent 100s of dollars on Christmas gifts for each other – no GPS, jewelry, computers, or new cars. But even small cuts in our spending have added up to a big difference when it comes to slaying our debt. We got into $16,500 credit card debt (now completely paid off) through emergencies and nickel and dime purchases. We got out by nickel and diming things, too.
- Yes, we give our Princesses Christmas presents. But we have a strategy. You can read it here.
- Yes, we give birthday presents to each other; however, they have to total a meager set amount (which is harder for him since he celebrates my birthday for 7 days, that sweet fella) and bonus points are given if they can be scored for free or take the form of service like cleaning out a closet or sewing on a button. 🙂
- No, no Valentine’s, Mothers’ or Fathers’ Day, or Anniversary gifts or “just because” gifts (unless they are free).
- We do give some gifts to others (our parents on Mothers’/Fathers’ Day and their birthdays, niece/nephew birthdays, kids’ birthday parties, teachers at the end of the year, etc.) but it’s very basic. And usually we spend an absolute maximum of $20. Kids’ birthday parties are always a $5 gift card. Gifts to neighbors, friends, and all others are either homemade or non-existent.
- The jury’s out on whether or not we’ll budget Christmas giving to each other once we’re debt free.
- I’ve learned to be intentional about blessing people in other ways (yes I’m familiar with the Love Languages
and yes it is hard but yes you can do it).
