Right now, you might be
reading this on a bus or a train as you hustle to get this or that for him, her or them. Lately, it seems the preliminary
gyrations to the big holiday get started earlier and earlier . . . .
I think I actually saw a Christmas ad as far back as September or late August.

This is the time of the year when we generally spend the most money, so it is in the interest of businesses to make sure we get more than our fair share of hints about what we should buy to give. In this final week of scrambling for that "perfect" or "at the very least something," remember that
even though this is called the time of giving, giving doesn’t necessarily mean "things."

First off, you and I both know what happens at the start of the new year, when the credit card bills hit, or the bills-you-were-supposed-to-pay-now-but-put-off-to-buy-presents hit.

It’s not fun for those who realize they have overspent and then have to worry about money for the next two or three months before they get caught up. They have to deal with depression and stress. What is the purpose of all the happy holiday stuff, if you have to be miserable for weeks after?

One of the things you can still do as a gift to yourself is to not overspend.

It is a difficult concept for some to conceive in an age of high credit ceilings and instant online purchases. But while you figure out what you want to get for whom, write down the things (bills or obligations) you can take care of now as well. Take care of one or two of those so they won’t be in your face immediately after the holiday.

I know a guy who spent too much money one year and then found himself on the verge of losing his car the next February because of an unexpected problem that sucked out some of his January cash flow. He spent a lot of time negotiating with the finance company that didn’t care about his problems or circumstances. And the time spent dealing with them and worrying about it cut into some of his work time, making matters worse.

If you can’t get something for someone or you have to get less than you expected – hey, join the crowd. That scenario is more common than you think.There are other times and other ways you can give, which brings me to my next point.

Your time is also a good thing to give this year. There are projects in the community that could use an extra hand over the holidays. And all it requires of you are your hands and feet and a willingness to help. Your councilperson, assemblyperson or congressperson or their offices will know what’s happening in our area and where you can pitch in.

Finally, I have to ask you to use caution when attending all the parties and functions. I think "don’t drink and drive" is a given, but also, be aware of what’s going on around you. Know that people are watching you for all kinds of reasons. Either a thief who thinks you’re an easy target because your senses are dulled or maybe the boss and rivals at work are looking to make you look bad.

A basic word to the wise — as always — is to just be aware. It’s easy to forget that at this warm and fuzzy feeling time of year. But you should use caution in your holiday rituals and some common sense. What will it all be for, if you are unhappy or unfulfilled when January 3rd rolls around?

— Gary Anthony Ramsay is a weekend anchor
and journalist on the all-news
cable station NY1 and a long-time resident of Queens.