How to Keep Your Holiday Spirits High and Spending Low
Holidays are a time of both joy and chaos. Between the dazzling lights, flashy sales, and endless gift lists, it’s easy to get swept into a spending storm. Celebrating the season doesn’t have to mean draining your wallet, however. With a little creativity and planning, you can have a meaningful, memory-filled holiday without the financial hangover come January.
1. Make Memories, Not Receipts
At the heart of every holiday is connection, not consumption. That’s why the best holiday memories don’t come from extravagant gifts, they come from sharing experiences that bring you closer together with the people you love. Host a movie marathon of everyone’s favorite classics, organize a potluck dinner, or enjoy a cozy night of board games and hot cocoa. Holidays aren’t about spending money – they’re about spending time together.
2. Get Crafty with DIY Gifts
Not only are homemade gifts easier on the budget – they also carry more heart than store-bought ones. Bake a batch of cookies, make personalized ornaments, or create “coupons” for experiences like “coffee on me” or “one free babysitting night.” If you’re artsy, paint or knit something special. The time and thought you put into a homemade gift often speaks louder than any price tag ever could.
3. Set a Spending Limit and Stick to it
Before the season kicks off, decide how much you can comfortably spend and divide that amount between gifts, food, and festivities. If you want to put a hard limit on your spending, try the “cash-only” approach – set aside the money you plan to spend in cash, and once it’s gone, the spending stops. Apps and digital planners can also help track your expenses so you don’t lose sight of your budget in the holiday haze.
4. Reimagine Gift Giving
If you’re celebrating with family or friends, suggest a Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange. It’s more fun, less pressure, and ensures everyone walks away with something thoughtful. You can even set a theme like “gifts under $20” or “something cozy” to keep things creative and affordable.
5. Decorate Smart, Not Hard
Skip the expensive store displays and go for simple, sentimental touches. Reuse decorations from previous years or make your own with recycled materials. Paper snowflakes, pinecones, and string lights can turn any space into a festive wonderland without costing much.
6. Give Back to Your Community
The holidays are a perfect time to give back to your community. Instead of buying more stuff, consider volunteering at a soup kitchen, joining a local gift drive, or donating clothes and toys you no longer use. These acts of kindness don’t cost much, but they create a ripple of joy that goes far beyond the season. Sometimes the best way to feel rich is to help others feel cared for.
Holidays should leave you feeling grateful, not guilty. With a bit of creativity, lots of connection, and a sprinkle of resourcefulness, you’ll find that the best celebrations aren’t about how much you spend – they’re about how much you share.
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Resources:
Holiday survival guide, part 2: Great gifts for less (or no) cash. Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund. (2022, November 8). https://feea.org/2018/11/great-gifts-less-cash/
Ky, S. (2024, November 20). Spend wisely for the holidays with tips from becu. The Whole U. https://thewholeu.uw.edu/2024/11/20/spend-wisely-for-the-holidays
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