What Sparks Joy?

Vincenza Vicari-Bentley, AFC
Utah Money Moms Contributor

The holidays are time of year when people get together, enjoy some good family time and of course, spend copious amounts of money. Last year, U.S. households spent an average of $1,536 during the season. If you’re feeling the pressure to spend in order to make your family or friends happy, I wanted to share a few ideas that might help take the pressure off.  During the last 9 months being pretty much confined at home I’ve learned that happiness and what brings me joy really has nothing to do with money. But that’s not the message that I was being bombarded with especially as a young adult fresh out of college... 

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I thought the only path to joy was buy a bigger house, drive a better car and never wear the same outfit twice. But now, the opposite is true – saving money and living more simply is what brings me joy. If you’re feeling the pressure to spend in order to make others happy, I’m going to share a few ideas that might help take the pressure off. 

1. Enjoy Seasonal Experiences.  Instead of buying tangible gifts, go to a holiday garden of lights, watch your favorite holiday movies while enjoying your favorite treats and snacks, get out and cut down a Christmas tree! There are so many ways to experience the holidays that will create joyful, lasting memories. 
2. Turn off your TV. ‘Tis the season of advertising.  Remember the message I mentioned earlier about how I was bombarded with “keeping up with the Joneses” as a young adult finding my way in the world? Well, it’s 1,000 times worse during the holiday season. Put the TV on mute during commercial breaks or stop watching it all together. Watch your favorite holiday flicks on Netflix or better yet rent some movies for free from your local library. Read stories that are meaningful to you and yours, stories that spark joy and give you something to look forward to in the next year. I once heard someone say “it’s not the money that you spend on your children that they will remember, it’s the time you spend with them”.
3. Focus on the senses.  Not senseless consumerism. The best parts of the holidays awaken my senses like no other time of year. I love the smell of home baked sweets wafting through the house. I love to see homes and businesses decorated for the holidays. I even love holiday music!  

Take it from someone who has learned the hard way – don’t go over budget this holiday season. It’s a very simple rule but one that will bring you a lot of joy.  So think about it. How can you enjoy a rich holiday season? What sparks joy for you?