Mindful Merriment: Keeping Your Holiday Spending in Check!

December is here, which means the holidays are just around the corner! Amidst the joy and excitement, it's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of holiday spending that leaves you in debt and overdrawn. This year, why not create a more calm and mindful December by adopting some savvy spending habits?

The Spending Traps We Fall Into

We've all been there – scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, feeling the pressure to keep up with the elaborate holiday displays, extravagant gifts, and creating the ‘perfect’ holiday memory. It's no surprise that Canadians are stressed about holiday spending, with this year being tougher than ever. But there's a way to break free from these social pressures and create a holiday season that truly aligns with your values and budget.

Tips for Mindful Spending

• Set a Realistic Budget: It might seem obvious, but it's a crucial step that’s often overlooked. Factor in everything – gifts, decorations, travel, entertainment, those festive lattes, and all those delicious holiday meals. I like to use a budgeting app to track my spending throughout the season. It really helps me stay on top of things! There are many budgeting apps out there, all designed to help out in different ways.  Let me know if you would like my suggestions!

  
  

• Spread the Cheer (and the Spending) Throughout the Year: A little planning goes a long way! Try setting aside a small amount each month specifically for gifts and holiday expenses. This way, you can snag that perfect present when you see it on sale in June, without derailing your December budget. I actually have a category in my budgeting app just for holidays and gifts, and I make automatic contributions to it all year round.

  
  

• Get Creative with Gifts: Consider a family gift exchange or encourage homemade gifts. This adds a personal touch and takes the pressure off finding (and affording) the "perfect" store-bought item. Plus, who wouldn't love a cozy crocheted creation? (Which is what the person whose name I get receives every year!) Another great idea is to have a themed gift exchange, where everyone receives books, socks, or t-shirts and see how creative your family can get!

  
  

• Focus on Experiences: This is really my top tip! Sometimes the most memorable holidays are about creating moments, not accumulating things. This year, my family is embracing a cozy, game-filled Christmas. We'll be in our pajamas, battling it out for the title of "Cozy Conqueror." It's already generating excitement and promises to be a holiday we'll cherish for years to come. And the reason we decided on this is because when you ask my kids about their favorite Christmas ever, they talk about the year it was -40 degrees outside and we spent three days holed up in the house, eating appies and playing games!

  
  

• Seek Out Affordable Outings: Look for budget-friendly holiday experiences in your community. From dazzling light displays to festive events, there are plenty of ways to soak up the holiday spirit without breaking the bank. Last year, we went to a local park that has Curlkinole (a mix of curling and crokinole,) firepits, and decorated trees, and it was such a lovely way to connect with our community and get into the holiday spirit. This year, we're checking out Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park here in Calgary. Personally, I follow a couple of Tiktokers that share this kind of content, but a quick Google search will help you find things in your area!

A Gift for Your Future Self

By being mindful of your spending in December, you're giving yourself the gift of a stress-free January. Imagine starting the new year feeling calm and financially secure, instead of facing a mountain of holiday debt.

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