Shopping:

There will not be extra money this year for spending for Christmas, I would say. Our family gave up giving gifts at Christmas a long time ago. I think all of us will be looking for better values this year as well. What is value? Could have meaning for different people but for example: if you buy a dress for $200 and you wear it 20 times, that would be of more value than spending $50 for a dress and wearing it only 2 times. That's "cost per wear" test! Do we follow such a test with most things that we buy?

Just being together sometimes is the best gift. Or the value of time….giving your time to someone that needs your help or a friendly face or a listening ear. Just taking the time to reconnect with people in our past would be a great gift. That is what I am going to try to do this season! What are your plans?