Suze Orman said it first, and she says it all of the time. I tend to agree with her.
I think it’s important to bring up Ms. Orman’s words of wisdom at the start of this holiday season. All too often, we get caught up in the stress of gift/food/travel purchasing and party-going coupled with the fear of debt and lack of time, that we lose the spirit and meaning of the holiday itself.
I’m not here to preach at you about getting to the essence of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, or any other holiday. But I am here to remind you that you can discover more of that essence if you prioritize people first, then money, then things.
No one wants a family member or friend to go into debt to purchase “obligatory” gifts. No one wants a family member or friend to have a panic attack because they are being pulled in too many directions in too little time during the holidays. Everyone has their specific thresholds for time and money, and if families and friends can recognize that and listen to the needs of their loved ones, they are putting people first, and offering their gift of love.
If any of this rings true to you, I invite you to have a chat with those you spend the holidays with. Chances are, they will sincerely appreciate your priorities, for they have been thinking the exact same thing.
