Christmas is traditionally celebrated as a time to show appreciation to our family, friends and colleagues by exchanging gifts. Stores are usually overrun with frantic shoppers searching for perfect presents that are designed to impress, or inexpensive items that express ‘It’s the thought that counts.”

With the increasing commercialization of Christmas, it’s easy to put a lot of emphasis on money at this time of year. One regular feature that appears in December is the Bank of Jamaica report detailing the amount of currency in circulation; when more money exchanges hands, it’s a sign that the shopping season is in full swing.

With money being promoted as essential to the successful enjoyment of the holidays, it’s not hard to see why so many people get stressed out about it at Christmastime. Employees wait impatiently for their end-of-year bonuses; contractors work harder to finish jobs before Christmas; people descend on remittance agencies in anticipation of receiving money transfers from foreign sources.

With the rampant spending and overindulgence that takes place during this season, it should be expected that most people would be in high spirits, enjoying all the gifts and merriment. Conversely, Christmas is one of the saddest periods for many persons who become very depressed at this time.

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Where is the Christmas cheer?

Interestingly, studies have shown that most people who are seasonally unhappy are not disheartened because of a lack of money, but are empty inside because of their need for companionship. Some persons grieve because they miss family or friends who have passed away; others are miserable because they have no one to love.

The old saying “Money can’t buy love,” becomes even more applicable at this time. Despite all the cash circulating in the economy, and regardless of the high volume of material possessions that exchange hands, there are still so many people that feel unloved at Christmas.

As we get caught up in our quest for Christmas consumption, many of us don’t take the time to think about the real reason for the celebration of this season. This is really a time for reflection on the coming of the Christ child, who was born to demonstrate God’s love for the world. No matter what your religious affiliation may be, the essence of Christmas is love.

Human beings were designed with an in-built need for love and affection. Infants cannot thrive without loving hands, and we continue to crave that emotion through all stages of our development. The roots of the anarchy that exists in Jamaica today were not spawned from material poverty, but from the lack of love in the society. As literary genius Oscar Wilde confirmed, “Who, being loved, is poor?”

How can we change our focus from spending money on physical items that will pass away, to expending our renewable energy of love this Christmas?

Multiplying love for Christmas

To cultivate the right attitude you first need to be truly grateful for the things that you have been blessed with. Even if your financial situation is not what you desire, focus on the positives in your life. Give thanks for your health, personal freedom, people who are important to you, and the wonderful opportunities that the future will bring.

The next step is to consider the needs of others before you pay attention to your own frivolous desires. There are thousands of persons who can’t buy basic necessities throughout the year, much less special treats for Christmas. Look around for organisations that provide services for vulnerable groups – homeless children, the elderly, persons with disabilities – and pledge to give them regular support in cash and/or by volunteering your time.

Closer to home, examine your relationship with your family and friends; can you honestly say that you always show your love and appreciation in ways that can’t be bought with a dollar bill? Are you too caught up in the rat race of earning money to spend quality time with your spouse and children? Do you neglect the companionship needs of your ageing parents? Just like love, your time is a precious commodity that is much more valuable than money.

Even if you are single and have no close relatives on hand, you can still make a big difference by mentoring young people. Many of our youth are confused and aimless, because they have no appropriate role models to guide their development. A gift of your experience, leadership and support will have a positive multiplier effect that will surpass any physical present that you could supply.

So, as the dawn of another Christmas day approaches, will you spend the true currency of the season by giving the gift of your love?

Copyright © 2009 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.

Originally published in The Daily Observer, December 24, 2009

Cherryl is a financial consultant and coach, founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. See more of her work at www.financiallyfreenetwork.com and www.financiallysmartonline.com. Contact Cherryl