Merry Christmas

The Christmas holiday is near; and, consumers are shopping with their N-Stnc rather than their with their impulse (heart). N-Stnc Shopping is using your head and not your heart to purchase conservatively during the economic crisis. Yes, loved ones and the less fortune are on our hearts this holiday season; however, the consumption of goods at a bargain are in mind as well. Have you thought about creative gifts that come from your Natural N-Stnc?

The act of giving through N-Stnc Shopping is within you. Think about these N-Stnc Shopping Gifts as you shop this holiday:

1. Willingness to consume versus Ability to consume

• What are you willing to pay for a gift? Is it worth the cost?

• Is the price of a gift or total holiday shopping in the budget?

• Is the product worth the price? How long will it last? What is the quality of the product?

• Have you paid for your basic needs (i.e. utility expenses, mortgage, gas, food, etc.)?

• Are these gifts needs or wants for your loved ones?

• Are you consuming more than you have in weekly or monthly income?

• Can you pay cash for the gift, or is it by credit card with interest?

• Can you wait for the after the holiday sales?

2. Comparative Pricing/Shopping

• Is it cost-effective to shop online or in the stores for your gift?

• Can you car pool with friends to shop to save on gas?

• Should you purchase name brand or off brand? Is there a difference besides price?

• Does the store honor price comparisons for the same product in their store?

• What can you find at the Dollar Stores/Trees for great stocking stuffer, gifts, or basket fillers? This can really stretch your dollar if you have a large list for gifts.

• Pre-Holidays Sales...make sure the sale is a bargain. Can you get the product or similar product cheaper than the stores sale price at another store?

• Is it really a sale, or will tax bring it back to the original price?

• Is it better to shop at wholesale stores, consignment stores, or shop retail value in stores?

3. Store Discount Days

• Is there a Friday Club discount day?

• Is there a Senior Citizens discount day?

• Are military discounts honored at the store?

• Have you reached the frequent shopper or club discount amount?

• Do you have a membership/shopping card to receive discounts from the store?

4. Charity Organizations

• Thrift Stores offer very low cost items and reasonable products. Try to locate non-profit organizations in your area (i.e. Salvation Army, Goodwill, Angel Network Ministries, etc.)

• Try local church food and clothing closets, which are usually free to the less fortunate

5. Natural N-Stnc Gifts (creativity)

• Remember the reason for the season, Jesus, and give thanks for life

• Give the gift of laughter, which is medicine for the spirit

• Make a home-made gift basket with a variety of affordable gifts

• Say I love and thank you to someone

• Create a Christmas card using your computer software or simple use of paper and color pencils

• Give Hugs, Kisses, Forgiveness,and pray with each other

• Take family time to tell everyone why you are thankful for them as a gift

• Visit a Nursing Home and give away gifts to the elderly

• Volunteer at a "Soup Kitchen" or donate food to a charitable organization or family

• Get rid of too little clothes, coats, and shoes, by giving as a gift to family or a local shelter

• Make someones favorite dish, invite a college student or homeless person to dinner

• Give away basic needs items: tissue, soap, plates, paper towels, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, laundry detergent, towels, linens, antiperspirant,etc.

• Provide a massage to a significant other or devoted time alone

• Provide house cleaning for someone who is ill or disabled

• Commit to exercise with someone for the year who wants to lose weight

• Give away coupons: weekend babysitter for someone, dinner for two, one family night per week or month, a night of poetry, a break from household cleaning for one week, etc.

May you have a Soul Holiday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmiHpLKT4mM