GIF After Christmas

“The plans of the heart belong to man. . . . Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.”
(Proverbs 16:1, 3)

After Christmas
by Larry Burkett

Well, Christmas is past. Praise the Lord! Right? That’s what you may be thinking, especially if you went into debt. Now that Christmas is over, what are your goals for the coming year?

Let me make a suggestion for next year’s Christmas that you can start right now. In fact, the first goal is to budget your Christmas gifts right now, while the memory of what you have done this year is fresh in your mind. Jot down some distinct spending goals and stick to them.

Next, set aside some money in your budget every month for Christmas shopping. If you are going to spend $600, save $50 every month; if it will be more like $1,200, save $100 every month. Then don’t spend any more than you have saved.

Three, think about self-made gifts. You and your family could make gifts to exchange with one another, which will be some of your finest treasures.

Four, shop bargain sales throughout the year and don’t wait until November or December, when you’ll pay the higher prices.

Five, get your family members together and discuss drawing names. If you swap gifts with one or two people, that simplifies gift-giving.

Begin now to set some realistic goals for next Christmas. Make it a joyful Christmas—one that can be spent in the worship of our Lord, with less focus on material things.

Daily Scripture Reading:
1 John