Holiday Prep That Won't Break the Bank (Or Your Spirit)
Holidays can bring pressure, but they don’t have to bring panic. October rolls around and suddenly everyone's talking about Christmas like it's a surprise that happens every year. Get ahead of the holiday madness and be intentional! I promise that January will be an easier month if you do.
Before we get started, I have to jump on the soap box… I hate so many of the Christmas shopping ads. I see sooo many examples of major companies marketing to consumers with messaging that says their children/grandchildren/friends/siblings/parents won’t be happy if they don’t get a big or expensive gift from that company. It’s baloney. We all know that the best gifts are the thoughtful ones—no matter how much they cost. By planning ahead, YOU ARE PUTTING MORE THOUGHT IN. Don’t let yourself be susceptible to this kind of panic-inducing marketing.
Try this simple approach:
Plan early: Write out who you're buying for, what you’ll spend, and add it up. If that number makes you want to fake your own death, it's time to edit the list or lower the amounts. Now’s also the time to think through who you can DIY (ya girl love’s a Christmas cookie!!). Now use that to decide your total holiday budget and divide it up. Here’s a place where literal cash envelopes or a separate savings account can help.
Start now: A little saved each week goes a long way. I don’t care if it’s January—it’s not too soon! Tuck away extra money when you can. $20 a month adds up to a meaningful Christmas fund.
Take advantage of deals: Start shopping early when you see good deals, not when you're panic-shopping on December 23rd. The goal is to have enough money tucked away that you can buy during good sales (Memorial Day, July 4th, Back-to-School, Black Friday, etc.)
Set Boundaries: It's okay to suggest a gift exchange instead of buying for everyone. In fact, I am willing to bet that other people in the family/friend group would be relieved too. It's okay to say your budget is tight this year. Real friends and family will understand and commend you for it.
Get creative: Here are some ideas that are sweet and also budget-friendly:
Homemade treats in cute containers (dollar stores have great options)
Photo books from Walmart or CVS (often on sale for $5-10)
Plants you've propagated—the time/thought/energy put into this would probably make me cry.
"Coupon books" for babysitting, car washing, or home-cooked meals - SO VALUABLE!!
Thrift store finds that you've spruced up (if your crafty like that)
The holidays should be about time together, not debt that lasts until summer. Give yourself permission to celebrate in a way that fits your values, not just your wallet.