It’s December 22. Do You Know Where Your Money Went?

Several decades ago, I determined that I would not go into debt at Christmas. And no—I have not, and did not. But that doesn’t mean finances aren’t tight. It’s this time every year, as I look at the unwrapped presents and the packed (again) refrigerator, that I wonder why there’s less money in my bank account than I expected.

I plan and plan, and then I panic. How on earth am I going to survive A WHOLE WEEK with a tank full of gas in my car and meals planned, ingredients purchased, and only $100.00 left? I’m shaking my head right now. It’s silly, this unfounded fear. Or is it?

There were tight years when my husband and I had money for our kids’ presents, and we knew that was more than enough. We didn’t need to gift each other. We had food for special feasts, and we did not max out our credit cards. But I always felt bad. I wanted to give my husband something to show how much I loved him.

We saw that both of our parents did the same thing. My parents were born during the Great Depression. My in-laws were born in the early 1900s. My father-in-law would talk about how he felt lucky to get a candy cane after coming in from working the fields (I think he may have exaggerated a bit about the field work). My grandmother would make my mother clothes for Christmas. They grew up in different times. Money was precious. Food was precious. Things were meant to last.

My husband and I internalized many of these values. We tried to save as much money as we could. We worked in industries where there were strong retirement benefits for me and matching 401(k)s for him. We could sacrifice in the moment, knowing we wouldn’t have to worry about money in retirement. We refinanced our house to pay it off earlier. We bought cars, financing them for the fewest number of years we could manage.

There were years right before my husband died when we could afford to get each other Christmas presents, but we didn’t. By that time, we were able to purchase what we wanted throughout the year. It was more important to us to enjoy a festive meal and time with our grown children.

So that brings me to today. It’s December 22. I have no reason to panic—except for wrapping the presents I bought for my grands. I have no reason to panic—except that I’ll be keeping my youngest grand on Christmas Eve. I have no reason to panic—except that I’m sitting here in my pajamas writing this article instead of baking cookies. Avoidance much? Why yes. Yes, indeed.

Panic is futile. I am blessed with all I have. So I’ll finish writing, proofing, and editing this, and then I’ll get to work baking cookies and giving praise to the Almighty for granting me the ability to take care of my family—and others. Then I’ll get dressed and get to work.

Actually, I think cookies come first. I can nibble on them while I wrap the presents.

My friends, don’t panic over what you think you don’t have. Give thanks for what you do have, and share your blessings with others.

Blessings,

Bethanne