Winter Garden Magazine December 2018 | Page 14

BPT BUSTED: 5 OF THE BIGGEST HOLIDAY MYTHS H oliday fantasies are not just for children. It turns out grownups actually celebrate the holidays living by their own set of myths, and they probably don’t even know it. when she sees that over-the-top holiday sweater, by all means, wrap it up and give it to her. She’ll commend you for your excellent taste and your holiday budget will also give a tiny gasp of relief. If all the holiday prep and bustle is giving your inner Myth No. 2: Sticking to a holiday budget Grinch a migraine, you may find yourself in very good is just too hard company! A recent Coinstar survey, conducted among 2,000 adults by Atomik Research, uncovered some of After past failures to make a holiday budget, you decided these hidden attitudes toward the holidays. it’s just easier to close your eyes and dive into a credit coma until January. Because it’s impossible to keep up The findings revealed truths behind the following five with the unexpected extras that keep popping up: added myths we often cling to when it comes to the holiday gifts, events, replacement decorations, holiday attire and season. food. Here’s a reality check. Some 68 percent of people stick to a holiday budget. Maybe past failures can be Myth No. 1: Regifting is in poor taste chalked up to not having enough information to create a good plan. Look back on last year’s bank and credit card Many people have a secret stash tucked into drawers and statements to help you make a better plan for this year. stuffed way back into closets: Presents from the past they don’t really want but the guilt is too strong to let them Myth No. 3: Adding spare change to your go. If you think regifting is a tacky solution to lightening budget doesn’t add up the load, here’s a good secret you should know. Nearly two-thirds of us (65 percent) do it anyway, according to These days, you think pocket change won’t even cover the the survey. So if you can picture your aunt’s wide grin cost of a cup of coffee. Which is why you may not be in the 14  | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2018