Cashing in Your Holiday Bank Account

How full is your emotional bank account? Sometimes you might dream of buying tons of Christmas presents, only to find that your financial bank account will only allow you enough money for gas and to keep the lights on at home. This news is enough to stress any parent out, especially when teenagers ask for the newest iPhone or Xbox.

Have you asked yourself lately: How full is your emotional bank account? If you are stressed and not feeling very upbeat, remember that the holidays can be a helpful time of year to refuel emotionally. You can tap into your inner joy, and kick Scrooge out of your heart. Indeed, love, joy, laughter, and peace of mind are free for everyone.

The holidays can be just as special with your loved ones without spending a dime. You don’t have to order joy online from Amazon or go to MacArthur Center hoping to find the latest edition of love. You can create magical memories with your family at home.

While teens may initially be reluctant to join in the fun, why not break out a deck of playing cards and teach them how to play spades or another card game? Low on Christmas ornaments? How about making your own by making homemade decorations, using nothing more than paper, paint, water, and flour?

Take a walk down memory lane and watch the Peanuts Christmas special, Home Alone, or another favorite holiday show. Share with your children which Christmas movie was your favorite and why.

If your family does not celebrate Christmas or for personal reasons, this time of year can be very painful. However, you can create a sense of peace and calm in your home. For many, the holiday season may trigger sadness, loss, emptiness, and anxiety. Service to others is one of the most effective medicines for a broken heart and may help with teen emotional development. Pick up the phone and call an elderly relative. Collect goods for the homeless. Visit a neighbor who lives alone. Doing random acts of kindness will lift anyone’s spirits.