We Always Dig Ourselves Into Debt Over Christmas. But It Doesn't Need To Be That Way
Ho ho holy moly, the holidays are expensive. Try as we may, we just can’t skirt around the inevitable costs of Christmas. Those never-ending receipts and jam-packed malls are precisely what target our Christmas spirit, and whatever excitement we had entering December is quickly forgotten about when we fight for a parking spot.
To make matters worse, Christmas costs extend way past the presents; inflation and so-called Black Friday “deals” swindle us out of our hard-earned cash, but there’s also gas money, groceries, and money for cute holiday outfits. What happened to the season’s sparkle? The terrible cotton ball art and those gigantic ‘90s lights that lit up the whole street? It’s gone—along with our savings and our patience! So, is there any way to keep our bills close to the chest, or are we doomed to holiday blues? Don’t worry, there are a few ways to cut spending in half.
The Bah-Hambug Budget
Look, we’re not little kids anymore. Contrary to popular belief, it really is the thought that counts, and it’s a lesson we learned as soon as it was time to pick up the tab. As nice as it would be to surprise someone with a house, sometimes, the best thing you can do is write a cute card and give homemade cookies—and there’s nothing wrong with that!
If you’re going to stay on course this year, you need to budget. We know it seems like a simple step, but those very ones are the hardest to follow; it’s a classic case of obvious in theory but never in practice. Don’t let anyone tell you that a bottle of wine isn’t good enough. Don’t let family guilt you into spending thousands of dollars. Make a budget and stick to it.
Part of that budget should also include who you’re shopping for. Remember, as adults, we all know the crunch of trying to make ends meet. If you can’t afford to buy your physician a bottle of Scotch, write them a cute card instead. Grab a box of chocolates (they’re often on sale around this time of year). The smallest gestures usually have the biggest impact!
The Early Bird Gets the Deal
You don’t have to Christmas shop in October, but you should hit the malls well before the holidays. December is a cash cow, and companies everywhere love to prey on your anxiety. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are mere husks of their former glory, too, which means you won’t find the same savings you once did either.
That means early shopping in November! Grab your wrapping before the hustle and bustle starts. Hunt for sales before those precious items suffer Black Friday markups. You can also score sweet deals on out-of-season items, so if you’re early enough, you might see a hefty price drop.
Take it from us: shopping early is better for your psyche, too. One of the worst parts of holiday shopping is cramming yourself into a stuffy mall. Forget about impatient shoppers and pushy charity kiosks; you’ll be at home watching terrible Hallmark movies. And you know what? Good for you.
It’s Time For Self-Control
As we get older, Christmas becomes less about presents and more about experiences. Why buy someone tchotchkes when you could treat them to dinner instead? It’s a nice gesture, but when everyone has that idea, those bills quickly add up.
It won’t be easy, but it’s time to exercise a little self-control. If someone wants to head out to dinner, offer to go to a coffee shop instead. You can also host an adorable potluck night and nibble on goodies at home. If you’re in a restaurant, ditch the expensive drinks or offer to split dishes family-style with your friends. Small adjustments can save you a serious headache down the road.
It’s always good to rein it in with presents, too. If you can’t afford to shop for everyone, pitch a Secret Santa exchange! Everyone can agree on the budget, it’s still a heartfelt way to show your affection, and there’s also a bit of mystery. Secret Santa doesn’t have to mean a five-dollar cap either; even $20 can land a pretty sweet gift.
(Christmas) Wrapping Up
We adults tend to lose our light during the holidays. It seems inevitable with the rising costs of living and the insane number of Christmas bills, but it’s time to take back control. You can steer the sleigh back towards your savings account, keeping things nice and light without blowing your bonus.
Christmas is also a good time to see who your real friends are! Anyone worth their salt won’t complain about the money spent on a gift. They’re just happy to spend time with you, and even if you show up empty-handed, true loved ones know the value of a good get-together.
Do yourself a favor this season and make a budget. Check it twice. Recruit your loved ones for potluck meals or cheaper outings. Reintroduce Secret Santa! You have dozens of ways to recapture the nostalgia, and you deserve a break with a smile on your face.
