Holiday blues, money and why it doesn't deserve your life

Sometimes during the holiday season you'll hear stories of people jumping off a bridge, doing the pill od or exiting the planet in some other, self-inflicted way.  Later you'll find out that the person had major financial issues and the stress finally got to them.

They don't have to be billionaires either.  Sometimes it's extreme poverty that pushes a person over the edge, and sometimes it's middle class people who, from the outside looking in, don't seem to have anything to complain about.

The economic scale doesn't matter.  What matters is that money got to be bigger than life, and the person couldn't handle it's negative influence anymore.

I've got news for you.  Money doesn't deserve your life!

It doesn't.  It's not worth it.  It's not worth anything other than the value we give it and unfortunately, in today's world we often give it way too much value.

Weather you believe it or not I am here to tell you that YOU are worth more than money.  And if anyone bugs you about it over the next few weeks I'd tell them exactly that.

Bill collectors?  Say "I am worth more than this bill and I'm not talking to you about it or doing anything about it until January.  Period.  Call me then."

Business pressures.  Same thing.  Refuse to deal with it until January.  Don't take calls if you can get away with that.  Take your mind entirely off the subject, even if just for a week or two.

Gift obligations you don't want.  Say "The pressure of having to give something has ruined the entire season for me so I'm not doing it this year.  I'm not giving anything so please don't be hurt or expect it."

Feeling guilty because you got something but didn't give (after you told them the above).  Sincerely say "Thank you so much for this lovely gift, I really appreciate it."  No need for any more explanation.  You already told them you weren't giving yourself.

Feeling guilty because you got something but didn't give (if you didn't tell them the above). Sincerely say "Thank you so much for this lovely gift, I really appreciate it."  If you really feel awkward about not having something to give in return simply add that you decided to forgo giving gifts this year but again you really appreciate their thoughtfulness and are so happy they understand.  Even if they don't, they probably won't say anything.  

What to say to your kids and grandkids.  Kids are the hardest because we love them and don't want them to be disappointed.  Here are a few ideas if you simply don't have the money to give them the celebration you want to.

• Ask them for a list with a certain dollar cap.  For instance nothing over $25.  This helps them set expectations as well as appreciate the value of money.
• Have a holiday where everything given must be handmade.  Crafts, food, clothing, everything.  Smaller children usually like this as they love to make and give gifts, but older ones can get into it too. 
• Get a bunch of smaller, inexpensive gifts and wrap them up so everyone has lots to unwrap. 
• Have a bunch of smaller, inexpensive gifts ready and do a raffle, giving each winner the opportunity to pick from the pile or steal from someone else.  No one gets to unwrap until they're all given out.
• Pass on your children's favorite toys and games to their children.  Don't underestimate the value of this, or the excitement both parents and kids will have in opening a special thing that may have been forgotten.

Really big emergency situations like getting evicted or a court date right around now.  Evictions take a long time so if you just got a notice you really don't have to be out by that date.  While I don't advise ignoring it, I also don't think that most landlords can kick you out without going to court.  Talk to an attorney to be sure... I'm not a legal person by any means.  And of course try and work it out with your landlord to get the pressure off.  Same with court dates.  Even if you get a judgment against you, they usually give you so many days to make good on it or they may set up a payment schedule.  Again, talk to an attorney to find out.  In all these cases, as dire as they seem, things take time and unless you've been ignoring this for months already it's probably not as critical as it seems.

I hope this takes some of the money worries off you this season.  Next subject will be those damn relationships and how to deal with that drama and pain about now.