Christmas is just around the corner and, although, it does not look a lot like Christmas here in sunny Florida, it sure does feel like it! Soon, family will be arriving and the festivities will be in full swing. But, what about after the holidays when the family is gone, the gifts are put away, and you have a wad of gift money burning a hole in your pocket? Spending that can be a big decision (I usually hold on to mine for like a month not knowing what to do- then get pillows or something ridiculous like that). To help with the "I have all this money but what do I want to do with it" dilemma, we have the list of five great, and somewhat unexpected, ways to spend holiday cash.
Internet Finds
While perusing the internet for some great gifts for everyone else on your list, you may have run into something you had no idea you needed, but must have now. Unfortunately, the gift lists have gone out and there is no way you will be getting it this Yuletide season. Buy it! Whether it is something you saw on a blog or a shopping site like outblush or thefancy, there is bound to be something that caught your eye. Good for you for taking the high road and not buying it then. Now, you can buy it and feel uber pleased that you did not splurge! Personally, I have my eye on that ridiculously awesome, extra cushy yoga mat.
Donate It
$25 or $100 or how ever much you get over Christmas may not make that big of a difference to you, but it could be the world to a starving child or homeless kitty. Donating your extra goods to places like World Vision, Free Wheelchair Mission, or The Humane Society would keep those warm fuzzies going well past Christmas, and spread the love by helping another in need!
Get Away
For a great post-Christmas cool off time, pool your money with friends or that special someone and get away. Even if it is only for one night 45 minutes away from town, you are away. This could be a great time to catch up with friends you did not get to see over the holidays, or, spend some time alone with your favorite person!
Save It
No, this is not the most fun holiday spending idea, but it is still a good one. Saving or investing a few hundred dollars right before the new year could be great! It is a nice little cushion to fall back on for those unexpected needs, or, it could make a little extra back as an investment. Think of it more as waiting and being able to buy two pairs of shoes than spending now and only buying one!
Rejuvinate
The holidays can be a bit hectic with all the coming and going and family and you get the idea. Have a little post-holiday pamper time and forget all that stress! There are quite a few spas around that I have always wanted to go to but have not been able to rationalize the spending. If you can relate, a little holiday splurge on some R+R could be right up your ally. Go ahead, enjoy that mud mask guilt free, you deserve it!
