5 Tips to Survive the Holiday Spending Season (From a Financial Therapist Who Gets It)
Ah, the holiday season—a time of joy, togetherness, and, let’s face it, financial stress. Between gifts, travel, decorations, and all those festive lattes, it’s easy to feel like your bank account is sprinting to January 1st faster than you are. But don’t worry; with a little planning and a touch of mindfulness, you can make it through the holidays with your wallet—and your sanity—intact.
Here are five practical tips to keep your finances merry and bright this holiday season:
1. Make a List and Check It Twice (Just Like Santa)
Before you buy a single gift, make a list of everyone you plan to shop for and set a spending limit for each person. This is your holiday shopping budget—a clear, non-negotiable guide to keep you from impulse buys and overspending.
Pro tip: Write down gift ideas next to each name before hitting the stores (or your favorite online shop). This keeps you focused, reduces decision fatigue, and helps you avoid wandering down the “just one more thing” rabbit hole.
2. Set Boundaries Around Gifting
We all love giving thoughtful presents, but it’s okay to say “no” to excessive or obligatory gifting. Suggest a Secret Santa exchange for large groups, agree on spending caps with family, or focus on meaningful but budget-friendly alternatives like homemade gifts. My girls and I have made a tradition of preparing homemade cinnamon rolls as gifts, and rumor has it that people look forward to our gift every year.
Remember: Your worth isn’t tied to the price tag on your presents. The thought and effort you put into a gift matters more than the dollar amount.
3. Use Cash (or a Debit Card) to Stay Grounded
Credit cards can feel like magical holiday wands until January rolls around and the bill lands in your inbox like a punch to the gut. Instead of relying on credit, set a spending limit and stick to it by using cash or a debit card for purchases.
If you must use credit (I know, I know, you don’t want to miss out on the points and purchase protection), decide in advance how much you’ll spend and plan for how you’ll pay it off quickly to avoid interest piling up like snowdrifts.
4. Plan Ahead for Unexpected Expenses
No matter how much you plan, the holidays have a sneaky way of throwing surprises your way. From last-minute party invites to that gift you forgot for your kid’s teacher, there’s always something.
Build a little wiggle room into your budget for these unplanned expenses. Knowing you’ve got a cushion makes it easier to handle surprises without derailing your financial goals. Bonus, if you make it to the end of the holidays with your buffer in place, you have a head start on next years holiday budget! Or a special treat for yourself.
5. Focus on Experiences, Not Stuff
The holidays are about connection, not consumption. Instead of stretching your budget to buy more “stuff,” consider giving experiences:
Host a cozy movie night with friends.
Plan a family game day.
Take a walk to enjoy holiday lights in your neighborhood.
These moments create lasting memories without leaving a lasting dent in your bank account.
Bonus Pep Talk from Your Financial Therapist:
If you slip up and spend a little more than you planned, don’t beat yourself up. Financial wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about learning, adjusting, and adapting next time. Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how you can plan differently in the future.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of financial peace. By sticking to your plan, embracing boundaries, and focusing on what really matters, you’ll head into the new year with more than just a pile of presents—you’ll have confidence in your financial journey.
Happy holidays from Moxie Wellness!