Many of us will celebrate holidays during the month of December that include the exchanging of gifts. When you were a kid, maybe your parents bought the gifts you gave to others. They might have given you money and helped you to shop. Guess what? Like many other things, buying gifts may change now that you are a teen. Whether you have a part-time job, or receive an allowance, you are probably on your own when it comes to your gift budget. So, what do you do?

You make a list.

1. Write down the names of everyone you wish to give a gift.

2. Divide the list into categories — family, friends, teachers, co-workers, miscellaneous others and any gift exchanges you might be involved in. You should also add gifts or money donations you make to any community organizations.

3. Is your list complete? If so, get ready, because now you have to make some decisions.

4. Family should be at the top of the list. Depending on what your traditions are (maybe you draw names or buy only for siblings) make a list of ideas for each family member you intend to gift.

5. Next, you should make sure that at the number two spot is any gift exchanges you have committed to participate in. Most of the time, these have a small dollar amount limit. They can be fun gifts.

6. The third spot should go to any commitments for community organizations. Some of these gifts are either collected or bought as a group and donated.

7. Now, we come to your friends. This can be hard, because you love your friends, you want to share gifts with all of them. If you can do this, that’s great, but I know money can be tight. You might need to have some heart to heart conversations with your friends and decide on small gifts, or something as simple as a movie night or dinner together.

8. Next, you have to make some decisions about teachers, co-workers, or any other individuals you wish to give holiday wishes and appreciation. This can be a little easier. A simple card, with a sincere hand written message is definitely acceptable.

9. At this point, you might be done, and it was so easy. Perhaps you even have enough left over in your budget to buy yourself a gift. Congratulations! Or, if you are a bit short on your gift budget, please proceed to number ten.

10. Don’t fret. Most of us end up at number ten. Can you see me waving? As I said, money can be tight whether you’re a teen or an adult. You might have to make some adjustments outside of the commitments you have already made. Talk to your parents and family about not only your gift budget, but their budgets as well. Also, be creative with your gifts. You can make or bake gifts, you can share your time, your help or even a hug. Every family is different. Most likely, your older family members will already understand — they were once teens.

If you do have to make adjustments to your list, this does not make you less loving or appreciative. It makes you normal. By all means, give and receive, but don’t let the stress of trying to go beyond what you can realistically give spoil your holidays. As corny as it may sound, it is truly the spirit and traditions of the holiday that make them special.

Please visit the Teen Forum! Let me know how you handle the stress of gift shopping, any creative gifts you make, or any other ideas you have about celebrating the holidays!