Column: Gift Givers Guide — How to Stop the Holidays from Making the Bank Account Go Bankrupt?

To+give+a+gift+this+holiday+season%2C+is+to+give+love+to+those+around.

To give a gift this holiday season, is to give love to those around.

Trina Freeders, Student of Journalism

On Christmas Day, parents see their children running to the Christmas tree, opening presents and getting a huge smile on their face. What they are not thinking is how much this holiday season might have put them in debt or depleted their bank accounts. That is why, this year, as holidays are rounding the corner once again worries arise about how much the holidays can cost.

To save the bank this holiday season, here are a few tips and tricks to apply.

USA Today confirmed in the National Retail Federation that over $1,000 will be spent during the holiday season on gifts and goodies, which is typically a reach for many households. Now to save the pocketbook a list of five items has been created.

First of all, it is easy to give someone a random gift found on sale, but what about giving them something a little more personal. As USA Today wrote about trying to time and effort. Take the person to a museum, a movie or even a concert set for a later date. Not only does it seem like the gift took thought, but it promotes saving for the ultimate present.

Additionally, think about using love instead of money. Who would not love a batch of cookies to make their holidays sweet? It does not cost a fortune to whip up a batter of dough and decorate some cookies to share.

Besides sweet treats, possibly doing community service could do the trick. ABC News says instead of exchanging gifts, offer the idea of doing service work together. It might not be as appealing as receiving a gift, but doing good for others is like offering a hot chocolate to someone who has spent a day outdoors, where there is a cozy feeling growing inside and warmth spread across the room.

Or if the gift is set to be bought, try shopping smart. Holiday sales are endless, so think about when it is time to head out to purchase the perfect present. U.S. News suggests shopping around to find the best deal, so the most daunting prices can be cut down and become affordable.

The final tip and mostly definitely the one of highest importance: remember what Christmas is all about. In the end, people do not care about the cost of a present; they love the time being shared together. As someone who has been gifting for over 40 years, Connie Freeders says, “It’s not about the presents being given; it’s about who you’re giving them to.”

With these tips, anyone can have a successful holiday, keeping the bank accounts, somewhat, full and putting smiles on faces all around. So as best said by Dr. Seuss, “Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” And with that, on Christmas Day as presents are being opening, think about the effort that was put in rather than the toy being opened.