COACHING INSPIRATIONS
"This planet has - or rather had - a problem, which was this:  most of the people living on it were unhappy for pretty much of the time.  Many solutions were suggested for this problem, but most of these were largely concerned with the movements of small green pieces of paper, which is odd because on the whole it wasn't the small green pieces of paper that were unhappy."  ~Douglas Adams~
Recession Proof Your Gift Giving
 
 
I would like to share with you some creative ideas for giving this year.  Many people are not in a position to give holiday gifts as they have in the past.  So, let's look at how you can stay within a budget or not spend very much money for the holidays and still give gifts.
 
No matter what your financial situation, giving in a different way this year can make a difference in your life and someone else's life. 
 
Each day you will receive a creative gift idea with a quote, enjoy. 
If you have any ideas you would like to share please feel free to send them to loridey@aol.com
 
Day 2
I think a family that "plays together stays together".  Some of the fun times I had with my children during the holidays were when we did things together.  Especially during these challenging times spending quality time with our family is important.  Some ways to play together:
 
String popcorn for the Christmas tree.  This is easy and inexpensive; all you need is a needle, thread and bags of popcorn (you can get different color popcorn to make it festive).  It's fun and something the family can spend several hours doing together.  Children can give this as a gift to their friends as well. 
 
Technology can keep us isolated as family.  Family members may have their own computers or maybe one person has the main computer and members of the family use it at various times.  Here is something that can add joy, excitement and fun as well as keep things on a positive note for the holidays.  It is call a "VISION BOARD", imagine having the family come together and create a vision for the upcoming year that will be positive and uplifting.  Then the family can come together around the computer weekly to focus on their vision. 
 
Baking cookies or other items together as a family can be fun, especially when you get to lick the bowl afterwards, yummy.  Place your cookies or other items in inexpensive tins (you can purchase them at the Dollar Store, Job Lot, Wal-Mart, or K-Mart), wrap each one with clear colored plastic paper, attach a bow and they are good to go. You can use them as gifts for friends, family members, neighbors, mailman, or church.  Remember be creative and have fun.
 
 © Lorraine Edey 2005-2008.  Feel free to include this article in your ezine or on your website or distribute it to others, provided you include the copyright statement and the bio information tag line found at the end of this article.  
 
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Happy Holidays
 

Lorraine Edey, LCSW, PhD, ACC
Money and Relationship Coach 
Coaching Inspirations
321-288-0692