Commentary; Posted: 12/13/06
Have a Merry January
Rev. John C. Blackford,
Religion Columnist
ìMerry January!î -A strange heading for a Christmas article, you are thinking. But here are some thoughts that can make this wonderful season more meaningful than ever.
It begins on a practical level with holiday planning, namely, a budget.
An area real estate agent writes that from Thanksgiving through New Yearís Americans spend 16 times more than the next biggest holiday, Valentineís Day.
She comments that ìtoo much of that is for giving that keeps on taking- in credit card payments months after the holidays are past. ì
With her mailing is a brochure stating that the average American spends $700 to $1600 throughout the winter holiday season, and that the latter are over their estimated budget by $700.
The main culprit is buying on credit, with its buy-now-pay-later offers, and thinking of it as not really spending money. But, come January, the payments usually start, and the interest adds to the burden.
Shopping without a list or a list without monetary limits can be a budget-breaker.
Forgetting to include costs such as greeting cards, postage and wrapping can add to budget woes.
Last-minute shopping can be very expensive too.
The best way to avoid the after-Christmas financial crunch is to plan a budget at the beginning of the year and include holiday spending. Setting aside a certain amount monthly toward this seasonís expenditures and staying with it, works wonders for family finances.
Keep a record of this yearís costs, and use it as a guideline for next Christmas.
Wise spending is the gateway to a greater appreciation for the meaning and joy of the season, the heart of which is giving.
And there are so many ways we can give. Knowing that our grandchildren would receive many toys, for years we have given them U.S. Savingís Bonds.
EE and I bonds, beginning at $25 and $50, respectively, increase in value, and at maturity may as much as double.
The bonds are earmarked for college costs, and already those old enough for post-high school education have been pleasantly surprised by the boost of these almost forgotten gifts.
Your church or favorite charity will be happy to be a part of your total Christmas budget.
Further, they often know of needy persons or causes about which you do not know, and how to reach them.
One of the families in our congregation has for many years designated a gift for some person or persons for whom this season is bleak, and asked me to make the distribution.
They do not know who has benefitted, but share the joy that comes to both giver and receiver.
Apart from monetary gifts are the ones we make of our time and talents. You may know of someone in a nursing home who would enjoy a visit from you.
With our nation involved in Iraq and Afghanistan, members of our Armed Forces who are there and a way from families and friends, would be delighted to hear from you. If you know of no one, a call to your church or American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will furnish you a name and address.
In her poem, ìIn the Bleak MidWinter,î Christina Rossetti writes of Christ, ìWhat shall I give him, poor as I am?î and answers, ìgive him my heart.î
Our finest response to Godís great gift of the Savior is the renewed gift of our hearts and lives.
ìA Merry Januaryî does not ignore Christmas or take Christ out of Christmas. Rather, it gives fresh meaning to the most significant religious holiday of the year, making it a truly wonderful season and the beginning of a happy New Year.
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