Ho Ho Hmmm: How to Celebrate Christmas On A Budget

by Jennifer C. Thomas, president and founder of MediaReady Consulting

December 19, 2008

I'm a "P.K.," or preacher's kid. Growing up as a child in Omaha, Nebraska, we'd sing happy birthday to Jesus and attend Christmas Eve services, ring bells for the Salvation Army, and sing Christmas carols for the elderly. On Christmas Eve, my siblings and I would make gifts or wrap gifts from cereal box prizes to give to our parents. My two sisters and I would stay up as late as possible, eating sunflower seeds and Now or Later candy, hoping not to get called on by Daddy to come downstairs and watch religious broadcasting until we fell asleep. We'd help our Mom bake a Santa-shaped cake and left it warm with milk for the Jolly Old Elf. On Christmas morning we'd be up at the crack of dawn with elation! It was the perfect balance of Christian values and traditionalism.  As my siblings and I grew older, we'd recall the tall tales of our childhood, while sitting around the dinner table. We may spend hours laughing and sharing the stories with new additions and friends.

Now, it seems the holidays are all about electronics and abundance. Even when America faces a recession, when thousands are being laid off daily, we're still encouraged to spend, spend, spend!  Only the very best will do, even if it sends us more into debt. No more!  This year, I'm a business owner on a budget.  As I plan to host some of my family members for Christmas, I'm returning to the loving traditions of my childhood. We'll watch old movies, tell tall family tales, have eggnog and worship together.  We won't focus so much on the best gifts, and nicest wrappings, and the over-abundance of food (well maybe a few less pies).  Instead, we will focus on the family and the true meaning of Christmas.

It's like in A Charlie Brown Christmas when a frustrated Charlie Brown learns the true meaning of the holiday: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." I hope my tree won't look like Charlie Brown's. But if so, maybe Snoopy will come with a special ornament and my family and friends can help transform it. Then like in the Christmas classic, we'll all join hands and realize this gift – time spent together celebrating and creating memories – is priceless.

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About The Author
Jennifer C. Thomas is president and founder of Atlanta-based MediaReady Consulting, which coaches professionals to “master their media savvy with effective communication skills.”   A 20-year veteran of broadcast journalism, Thomas was most recently an executive producer for CNN Headline News and is a former reporter, anchor, talk-show host and field producer for such media giants as NBC, ABC and New York Times owned-and-operation stations. While at CNN and Headline News, she helped capture major tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina and the September 11th terrorist attacks.