It’s hard to believe the holiday season is just around the corner! Does that make you feel excited—or maybe a bit anxious? I’ve found that our feelings about the holidays can vary depending on our stage of life and financial situation.
Growing up as an only child in a small family, my holidays were simple—there was no “big holiday magic.” So, when I had kids of my own, I wanted their experience to feel magical and memorable in ways mine hadn’t. When my kids were young, I felt both excited and a little anxious each holiday season. I wanted to buy them ALL. THE. THINGS and make each moment unforgettable. I tried to be intentional about everything—from choosing gifts, to planning outings, to creating those lasting memories I hoped they’d cherish.
But year after year, I would wear myself out trying to create all the holiday magic. By the time Christmas arrived, I was completely exhausted. Over time, I realized something: my kids barely remembered specific gifts from year to year, and many toys were barely used before they ended up donated. I often wondered why I went overboard on shopping, only to turn around and part with so many items later. Honestly, I felt like I wasted so much money, and a simpler Christmas would have made more sense for our family. Crazy how that happens! It was a reminder that the real magic came from the time we spent together, not from the gifts.
Now that my kids are teenagers, I see the holidays in a different light. The excitement has shifted, and while I still enjoy the season, their interests have grown to include more expensive tech, cosmetics, and clothes—which brings its own set of financial challenges! But I’ve learned that with the right planning, it’s still possible to have a wonderful holiday season without the stress.
I don’t know your specific situation, but I’d love to help you prepare for the holidays, even if you haven’t started thinking about or saving for them yet. Here are three simple steps you can take now to ensure a stress-free, joyful season:
1. Create a Holiday Spending Plan
Take a few minutes to outline your holiday expenses. Consider gifts, decorations, food, entertainment, holiday cards, and any other costs that come up during the season. To simplify this, you can download my Holiday Spending Plan Template to help you get started. Having a plan in place before Black Friday helps you stay on track and enjoy shopping without the worry of overspending.
2. Communicate Expectations with Family
Once you have your spending plan, have an open conversation with your family about holiday expectations. Whether it’s setting spending limits, agreeing on the number of gifts, or focusing more on experiences rather than material things, clear communication helps ensure everyone is on the same page. This can ease financial pressure and help you focus on what truly matters—enjoying the season together.
3. Set a Goal to Pay Cash for the Holidays
One of the best gifts you can give yourself is the peace of knowing you won’t be starting the new year with new debt. Make it a goal to pay cash for everything this holiday season—whether it’s gifts, meals, or events. It might take a little more planning, but avoiding credit cards will help you enjoy the season without the lingering stress that comes with paying off holiday debt long after the festivities are over. Start small if you need to, and remember that paying cash means enjoying the holidays now without financial regrets later.
By taking these steps now, you can enjoy a holiday season filled with joy, connection, and peace of mind—without the financial stress.
Wishing you all a wonderful and financially stress-free holiday season ahead!
P.S. If you’d like personalized 1:1 support in navigating your finances, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with me. Together, we can work toward your financial peace of mind. You can schedule a free call HERE.
