Christmas Choices
In just a few hours, Christmas Day 2015 will be here. All too soon the day will be done, leaving behind piles of torn wrapping paper which once hid secret gifts; overflowing refrigerators stocked with leftover ham and rice and peas; and the fading sounds of joyful holiday carols.
This festive 24-hour period will disappear as quickly as any other day; sometimes I wonder if all the hype and frantic preparation for this one day is overdone. On the dawn of December 26, will the world be a better place for us? Will we be more financially, spiritually and emotionally fulfilled?
For many people, there is no improvement in the quality of their lives after Christmas has passed. Despite our heartfelt wishes for a ‘Prosperous New Year’, real life with its real problems will return, ushering in a January filled with bills that give testimony to holiday excesses.
WHAT DO YOU CHOOSE TO CELEBRATE?
Unfortunately, all the commercialism that surrounds Christmas can sometimes make us forget the reason for the season. The story of the baby born to make a difference to the whole world makes a nice, heart-warming tale — but can it leave a life-changing impression on our hearts? Many people choose to use this holiday season to give to the less fortunate, ensuring that at least one day of their lives is filled with food and fellowship. However, the question is: when the Christmas period ends, what kind of existence do these people endure for the other 364 days? All too often, these vulnerable persons suffer unnoticed and unappreciated during the year until another Christmas time rolls around. Giving during the season is admirable, but could we achieve positive long-term changes if we extend our charitable efforts throughout the entire year?
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE TO SPEND YOUR MONEY?
A lot of people believe that they don’t have enough money to meet their needs, much less to share with others in need. Our economic reality tells us that money is scarce and there’s not enough to go around. So, we hold on tightly to the little we have and choose to focus only on our problems. The reality is that there is no shortage of money in the world. Money is just a medium of exchange whether it takes the form of paper bills, precious metals or some other type not yet conceived. It is an abundant resource; but many of us just haven’t figured out how to make it appear in our lives. Ironically, when we learn to let go of our money, it becomes more abundant in our lives. There is a universal law that says the more you give, the more you will receive. However, this doesn’t mean that we should give with the intention of getting something back in return, like praise or recognition.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO GIVE BACK?
The concept of giving back is about being grateful for all the money with which we have been blessed, whether a little or a lot, knowing that we each have an obligation to share our blessings with the less fortunate. Feeling free to give back will ultimately perpetuate abundance in our lives. Yes, it will take a big leap of faith to think of giving away money if you can’t balance your budget. However, many of us don’t think, when we choose to buy furniture on hire purchase or take out a car loan, about how much the payback amount will reduce our monthly disposable income. In the same way, a personal commitment to enrich the lives of others will usually not make much of a difference to the overall state of your finances. Giving even when your budget is stretched is a bold affirmation that you believe that there will be enough resources left to satisfy your needs.
CHOOSING TO BE CHARITABLE
Many wealthy persons will attest that charitable giving played a large part in their own financial success. How can you share your resources and make an impact on your life while helping others? One way is to consistently take out a portion of your income and put it aside to be given away. Tithing is a contribution of 10 per cent of your income, a concept that is deeply rooted in biblical times, when 10 per cent of the earth’s produce was to be consecrated to God. You can choose to donate money to your church, favourite charity, or to persons you know who are in need. Along with your money, you can also give another precious resource — your time — to volunteer in charitable organisations. They always need extra hands to do good work.
You can also choose to give back by mentoring or providing your encouragement and support to someone in need. Author Henry Van Dyke said, “To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind — this is a choice which is possible for all of us.” Choose to enjoy a charitable Christmas this year!
Cherryl is a money coach, business mentor, and founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. Her upcoming book, “The 3 Ms of Money” will reveal all the secrets she learned about financial success. Get more advice on money and business matters at www.financiallysmartadvice.com and www. entrepreneursinjamaica.com. Email comments to cherryl@financiallysmartonline.com.