Every year during the month of December, many people feel obliged to partake in frenzied preparations for the Christmas period, with party-hopping and present-buying being of utmost importance. It seems that having lots of money to spend is crucial to some for the enjoyment of the season.
In fact, many people become depressed at this time if they can’t find the funds to really splurge for the holidays. It’s common to hear frustrated shoppers comment that “No money not running this year, so I won’t be able to have a good Christmas.”
The commercialisation of Christmas by profit-seeking merchandisers has unfortunately turned many away from the true message of the season. The biblical account of three wise men bringing gifts for the blessed Child in a manger now merely forms an endearing backdrop to the biggest shopping period of the entire year.
As a money coach, I have seen ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ when it comes to people’s money behaviours; and oftentimes the excesses of the holidays bring out their worst attitudes.
In direct contrast to the self-sacrificing message of Jesus’ birth, many people exhibit a self-centred, materialistic focus on acquiring more and more things at Christmas.