By Leesville Mayor Rick Allen

Christmas is the most favorite time of year — especially for young people and children. Parents and adults will do their absolute best to make this time of year as happy as they possibly can year after year. They will spend beyond their means; most of the time, maxing out credit cards and charge accounts and even using lay-away programs because they only want their kids to remember that this is a great time of the year.

Afterwards on top of their regular bills they will pay notes on those Christmas gifts all year trying to pay the debt off but the interest on the credit cards just keeps stacking up. Few will get this debt paid off and if they are fortunate enough to pay them off, they will end up paying double what the items originally cost. But those that are less fortunate never recover from those credit card debts and end up ruining their credit scores resulting to limiting their ability to access credit for a very long time if not forever.

I’ve heard it said that the definition of insanity it to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result.

There are many ways to get out of this cycle, but they strive to keep up with the neighbors and friends. Financial burdens can absolutely destroy a family so please consider other options with inflation on the rise and no relief in sight. Maybe it’s a camping trip to the lake where we have open parks that you can visit for free, do some fishing then have a meal with family and friends making new traditions.

Just exchange your time with each other, which is one of my most valuable things, there just isn’t enough. I understand this isn’t for everyone but there are many other remedies that you can use your creativity and make it so much more memorable than toys and stuff will ever make it.

I pray financial miracles upon every one of you and more importantly I pray good health upon you and peace in your family in Jesus name.