There's nothing funny about being out of money. That's the dilemma facing hundreds of folks in Blaine County right now. According to the latest reports from the Idaho Department of Labor, an estimated 701 people were out of work in November. With the lack of snow and tourists hurting businesses, the figure has doubtlessly rose.
What can one do if he's faced with giving presents to his loved ones and there simply are no funds available? Well, here are some ideas:
Take your significant other to every place you've had an argument and apologize.
Run errands for someone for a week. Go pick up their mail, the morning papers, do their shopping for food, toiletries and gifts with their money.
Drive someone around for a week. Gasoline is now $2 a gallon. Wash their car for them and if you're mechanically inclined, change the oil in their vehicle.
Cook someone dinner. Invite an entire family over for supper and enjoy the evening.
The proxy gift—if your friend or neighbor has scheduled an appointment with someone who wants to sell you insurance or invest in a timeshare or start up a multi-level sales business, stand in for them and just say no.
Walk your pal's dog, give him a bath and play fetch for an hour.
Take your friend's kids to school for a week. Pick them up after school, laugh with them and take them to wherever they have to go.
Do your friend's laundry and sew up those torn garments.
Sit down with a friend and listen. Don't interrupt.
Volunteer your services for the needy by joining a food bank.
We're all in this together—especially in this tightly knit community. If you do have money for Christmas, for everyone's sake, shop locally. If you don't, perhaps these ideas will help. We can get through this. Be happy and count your blessings instead of your bills.
Happy holidays and ... nice talking to you.
