Christmas is a time of joy and generosity, but finding the delicate balance of generous gifts and practical presents can be challenging. With a bit of thought, you can create a list of gifts that everyone in your family will love and keep you on track to achieve your financial goals and stay on track toward financial freedom.

Here are four tips to help you find that balance and create the perfect Christmas giving list this season:

1. Think about the recipient. Before you buy something, ask yourself: what would [INSERT RECIPIENT'S NAME HERE] want? Consider what they would like to receive, not what you think they want. Prioritize the person's interests over simply buying "stuff". So cliché, but it is the thought that counts.
2. Stick to a budget. Again, the goal is to attract a Sovereign Life. One small yet mighty way we fall short of manifesting material wealth is to lack discipline around our money. This tip is essential. Create a list of items you'd like to buy, then assign a budget. That way, you won't go overboard and spend more than you can afford, especially when purchasing gifts for your children or spouse.
3. Get creative. You don't always have to buy something new. Consider DIY gifts or thrift store finds or meaning fully re-gifting. We've gotten accustomed to accumulating stuff or having "eyes" bigger than our stomachs – or budgets, for that matter. We must remember that Christmas is about the spirit of giving at its core. If you’re like me, I have some items I may have ordered online that did not make its way to the return drop off and it’s sitting in my closet, new with tags. Is there anyone that those items would be perfect for?
4. Think outside the box. Instead of traditional gifts, consider experiences or even donations in their name to a charity that’s important to them or their community. The holiday season is a great time to teach kids about philanthropy. It might be as simple as donating money to a charity or volunteering together. This year we are adopting a family and we’ll take the kids along as we fill their wish list, wrap and drop the gifts off. It can also be a family gift instead of individual gifts, where you prioritize family over anything else.

With these tips in mind, you'll be able to create the perfect Christmas Giving list this year and stay on track with your wealth goals. Happy shopping and paying it forward!