Below is one of my all-time favorite true stories, printed in a newspaper in the United States years ago, and quoted by religious leader Thomas S. Monson in his talk, The Profound Power of Gratitude. There’s a personal finance lesson in it :-).

Here’s hoping that you all have a Merry Christmas, a bright year ahead come what may, and a heart full of gratitude for all that the year will bring.

The District of Columbia police auctioned off about 100 unclaimed bicycles Friday. “One dollar,” said an 11-year-old boy as the bidding opened on the first bike. The bidding, however, went much higher. “One dollar,” the boy repeated hopefully each time another bike came up.
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(JAPAN, Tokyo : Japanese women buy boxes of chocolates as gifts a day before St. Valentine’s Day in Tokyo on February 13, 2008. Women in Japan feel the need to give chocolate to their boyfriends, work colleagues and teachers on February 14 as a social obligation more than a sign of love. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO)

I would be the first to say that an expensive dinner and something wrapped in a small package speaks and drips of love (pronounced luuuv). Sure, it does!

But since we are trying to be money-smart, how about exchanging ideas on how to strive for the same effect at less cost?

**after two hours**

Whew. Seems there are no ideas in this unromantic body. Went around the blogosphere and here are some thoughtful ideas I handpicked:

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Avoiding gift-giving gaffes is tricky. Is it proper to give your boss a Christmas gift or will others interpret that as trying to curry favors with the man or woman on top? If you decide that spreading Christmas cheer with a gift is just right during the holidays, what is the right budget for bosses, colleagues and subordinates?

This article from our personal finance section says you should remember that what works for one company might not work for another. If you have just moved into a new job, be sure to ask around first.

Here are the seven other tips from that article:

1. Make a gift list and set a budget. I always go overboard on gifts and not just on Christmas Day. I just love wrapping presents so much! A gift is not a gift to me without a beautiful ribbon . There’s something about choosing, buying or making and wrapping and presenting the gift that lifts my spirit up.

2. Foodstuffs are always welcome gifts. Easier to give to both ladies and male friends and colleagues too! The most popular ones this Christmas are chocolates, so far as I can tell.

3. Go for gifts recipients can use. Personally, I like giving gifts that people will never buy for themselves but this is a good tip too for the practical side of money-smart peeps.

4. Partner with others for group gifts. Makes sense especially for bosses.

5. Homemade gifts. Definitely not for children. More for the sentimental and mature persons in the universe. Can I now claim that I go for homemade gifts? Heehee.

6. Look for the right size. Since I do a lot of walking around Makati area, I find myself declining Christmas baskets that are very heavy and difficult to lug around.

7. Cash gifts are, again, very tricky. These days, everyone gives little envelopes – from the postman to the utility boy to the messenger who goes to your house only once a year. So what’s the proper amount to put in the envelope?

Here’s a little confession. Everybody keeps saying they can’t feel Christmassy anymore. It’s like the warm, fuzzy feeling of Christmas dies when people turn 12.

Maybe, it was the Christmas caroling in Binangonan, Rizal that I joined the previous weekend that changed me. Nothing like serenading houses on the side of the road to make your heart soar! You can’t give the gift of cheer without sprinkling some on yourself – so go spend a little and give a little especially of your time and yes, always do these with a smile.

Merry Christmas!