Thursday, December 22, 2005

Of Christmas and bank accounts!

I just looked at my bank account online and saw to my dismay that I was in the red and descending!
There's something about this season that, despite all good intentions, catapults you into a shopping frenzy, along with heaving London crowds! Then there is the Christmas dinners, parties, drinks, the last minute dash to buy a card for the person you left off your Christmas card list who just happened to send you one today (sigh)
Financial "experts" abound with advice on how to avoid debt over the holiday season: - live within your means (well we all know that that is near impossible, 0% credit cards, make your own presents and cards, IOU's, make loud disparaging comments accompanied with intellectual sneer, like "Christmas has become SOO commercial!" or "Jesus is the Reason for the Season!"
Seriously, how does one avoid giving in to the pressure to spend, spend, spend. Last year a group of us agreed that we wouldn't DO Christmas presents. I remained secure in the knowledge that, for once, I'd have something left over to spend in the 'January' Sales (which incidentally begin on Boxing Day). Imagine my surprise, on Christmas morning when I received presents from each and every one of those "traitors!" Whatever happened to honour among friends! I'm not complaining about the presents.... it's the PRINCIPLE!! (and the fact that I've acquired a reputation as a bit of a "tight wad"!)
Well that's my seasonal moan done, now where did I put those IOU's...