It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . . until you step into the stores. You’re bombarded at every turn. Gift ideas you never knew you should purchase. People that would be “just perfect” for that item that wasn’t on the list. Honest-to-goodness awesome money saving, rock bottom priced deals line the shelves. The temptation is more than any budget keeping debt slayer could stand.
And then you step out into the mall’s parking lot . . . and the smell of steak and spice fills the air, no matter what time of day it is. How do they do that?! Lunch out wouldn’t be *that* bad would it? Maybe just a snack or one of those beautifully red coffee cups filled with the holiday drink you’ve drooled over for the last four days.
Most days, I can keep my nose to the grindstone and move along with much resolve and little effort. But this time of the year, I want to buy, buy, buy. Maybe it’s the constant consumer messages beamed to me through my laptop, TV, radio (yes, I still listen to the radio). Maybe it’s the nostalgia that laces its fingers around my soul, remembering the experiences of purchasing in Christmas past. I’d love to think it’s from a deep spirit of generosity and my love language of gifts, but then again that generosity somehow wants to extend itself to me and the “gift” of an unplanned, un-budgeted meal out on the town.
Only one week remains. These are the days when heroes are made. Each hour that passes when you dodge overspending, every minute that you quell your soul with contentment in place of consumerism, the days that you spend time and not money on your children, they all add up to a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year. Whatever it takes for you to avoid the traps of overspending this Christmas, do it. You’ll be so glad in January.
The last thing you want is to look back and wonder what you even spent in these last few days of temptation. You can do it. Say, “no.” Stay out of the stores. Dial down the voices that cause you to stray. Lean in close to listen to the True meaning of the season.
Shine on Debt Slayers.
You are bound for so much more than a temporary Christmas season.
You are bound for something that can’t be wrapped up in colorful paper.
You are bound for something that can’t be tied up in a fancy ribbon.
You are bound for something that won’t be thrown away three months from next Wednesday.
You are bound for FREEDOM.
Shine on Debt Slayers.
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
[…] up and shine on Money Saving Lords and Ladies. You’ve got this thing. I know you can do […]