Every year during the month of December, many people feel obliged to partake in frenzied preparations for the Christmas period, with party-hopping and present-buying being of utmost importance. It seems that having lots of money to spend is crucial to some for the enjoyment of the season.

In fact, many people become depressed at this time if they can’t find the funds to really splurge for the holidays. It’s common to hear frustrated shoppers comment that “No money not running this year, so I won’t be able to have a good Christmas.”

The commercialisation of Christmas by profit-seeking merchandisers has unfortunately turned many away from the true message of the season. The biblical account of three wise men bringing gifts for the blessed Child in a manger now merely forms an endearing backdrop to the biggest shopping period of the entire year.

As a money coach, I have seen ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ when it comes to people’s money behaviours; and oftentimes the excesses of the holidays bring out their worst attitudes. In direct contrast to the self-sacrificing message of Jesus’ birth, many people exhibit a self-centred, materialistic focus on acquiring more and more things at Christmas.

Instead of offering to help the less fortunate, too many persons are only concerned about how much money their pixie spent on their gift, or where they are going to buy the ‘bling’ clothes for the office party. At this time, consumers cave in to the holiday hype trying to impress others by purchasing items they really can’t afford, and then regret their rash financial choices in January.

While well-stocked shopping carts and increased money supply are important for the development of the business sector, spending and earning money shouldn’t be the only highlights of our economic success. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Christmas period was also used to really focus on making lasting and positive changes in the lives of a wider cross section of our population?

During the season, a lot of different wishes are made: fervent wishes for presents under the Christmas tree, friendly wishes for happiness and prosperity, and philanthropic wishes for the betterment of all humanity. For Christmas 2010 and beyond, I wish that you, my faithful readers, will have:

A spirit of gratitude and appreciation

Christmas is the perfect time to look back over the year and give thanks for all that you have received. However, if you concentrate only on the material things of life, you may feel discouraged about not having enough money to buy all the things you wanted, and forget to show your appreciation to others.

Even if your financial situation was less than ideal, you can be grateful for all the non-material blessings that came to you this year. I encourage you to give thanks for having a healthy mind and body, supportive family and friends, someone to love, and freedom of information and personal expression.

A heart for the less fortunate

Despite our complaints about being a poor country, Jamaica is really rich in resources that could be better allocated to benefit those who are desperately in need. While expensive cars, mobile phones and name-brand clothes abound, too many of our neighbours are existing in a continuous cycle of poverty.

While you might feel powerless to impact the large number of disadvantaged people in our nation, you can make a difference in the life of even one person. I invite you to share what you can by giving basic food supplies, books and clothes for school children, financial support for inner-city businesses, or volunteer your time in service to others.

A mind filled with positive thoughts

Too many people focus solely on their negative circumstances; thanks to the law of attraction, this only guarantees that they will receive more problems. Unfortunately the ‘nutten nah gwaan’ philosophy that permeates our country cripples our natural abilities to find solutions to our financial challenges.

I hope that you will be able to let go of past disappointments and cultivate a positive mindset for the future. Your belief system is a crucial component of your ability to succeed in life. With an optimistic outlook, you can create clear, realistic goals and have the drive and passion to do whatever is necessary to achieve them.

An eye to see opportunities

Throughout 2010 this column has been leading the charge for increased productivity as a means of breaking free from the financial obstacles that hinder us as individuals and as a nation. It’s impractical and self-defeating to keep complaining about our money problems; the only answer is to focus on generating more sustainable income.

I hope that you will develop a keen eye to find opportunities around you to increase your earnings. Whether you see a problem that requires a solution, discover a need that you can fill, or you find ways to market your talents to serve others, make a concerted effort to create additional sources of income in the coming year.

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Cherryl is a financial consultant and money coach, and founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services; she is currently writing her first book, “The 3 Ms of Money.” Get more practical financial advice at www.financiallysmartadvice.com and free financial tools at www.financiallysmartonline.com. Please email comments to cherryl@financiallysmartonline.com