Welcome to the greatest opportunity of the year to spend unnecessary money and get wiped out- Hi, December! Christmas is one of those (well-intended) holidays that I love BUT the pressure to spend money is enormous. This year in particular, we’re focused on reaching a huge real estate milestone in 2023 so our spending is aligned with achieving that goal. We’ll be enjoying the holiday season on a more reduced scale, and I wanted to share how we do it- it’s possible to gift generously and thoughtfully, decorate, cook and enjoy the holidays without the acquisition of a ton of consumer debt and unnecessary spending.
- Use what you already have. Almost everyone has a beloved Christmas bin of ornaments, stockings, lights, maybe some gift wrap. I like to comb through whatever I already have and get rid of what I know we won’t be using. Often times when we declutter first it enables us to reenvision items we once loved and repurpose them in a new space.
- Utilize a spending tracker. Utilizing a spending tracker enables me to allocate needed holiday items into categories (gifts, gift wrap, decorations, groceries, events) and assign a dollar amount to each category. Every time I make a holiday purchase, I log it into my Christmas expense tracker, so I know that my spending is aligned with our pre planned budget for holiday spending. We have four children, so we assign a dollar amount to each child (which typically doesn’t exceed $200). Their clothing, technology and enrichment needs are met consistently throughout the year, so we use the holidays as an opportunity to encourage giving vs fostering attitudes of entitlement surrounding the holidays.
- Gift consumable gifts. Gifting consumable gifts is not only more economical and sustainable, but it also ensures we’re not adding clutter to someone else’s home. Consumable gifts are my go-to for anyone outside of our immediate family. We like to bake a combination of cookies, pies or cakes. Wine or hot chocolate kits are another great option for consumable gifting.
- Thrift decor and gift wrap. I’ve found my most unique and treasured pieces from our local thrift store. There’s a huge selection of holiday and gift-wrapping supplies for cents. Only after I’ve compiled a list of what I need, and before I quick click online- I always check my local thrift store and I encourage you to do the same. It will save you hundreds during the holiday season.
- Create what you can. The most beautiful Christmas displays (in my opinion) are organic and reminiscent of the winter season- winter greenery, dried branches, in season food like persimmons and pomegranates- beautiful, organic, natural elements that can all be foraged and displayed for free, just add twinkle lights!
Implementing these tips over the years has helped me to strategize the holidays in a way that’s less stressful and more financially efficient for our family- without holiday burnout and overspending. The vibe is baking Christmas cookies, giving thanks, cooking warm, nutritious, home cooked meals and snuggling up with hot chocolate, books and movies- not the dreaded rush of last-minute holiday shopping. Plan to enjoy the season friends.
Love, Daley.