Before the season ramps up, I wanted to share a few holiday budgeting tips that actually make this time of year feel lighter. Yes, the holidays are magical, but let’s be honest with each other here, they can also be completely overwhelming. 

Between the gifts, the parties, and the “oh no, did I forget someone?” moments, it’s easy to feel stressed… and then wake up in January staring at a credit card statement wondering how it got that high.

And if that resonates, know that you’re not alone. Nearly 36% of Americans take on debt during the holidays, often spending months digging out. But, here’s the thing, it doesn’t HAVE to be that way. 

Some years, we splurge. Other years, we’ve kept it simple. But honestly? Most of my favorite holiday memories come from the experiences we share together and the traditions we hold much more so than the gifts that we exchange. 

That said, I get it. The mental load hits differently when you’re trying to make the season magical while also trying not to lose your mind (or all your money).

Maybe you’ve felt it too…

• That tiny voice whispering, “What if this is the deal I can’t miss?”
  
• The pressure to make the holiday perfect, like not splurging somehow makes it less.
  
• Spending way more than you intended because you didn’t plan ahead, leaving you staring at your credit card bill with a pit in your stomach.
  
• Wanting to be thoughtful and meaningful, but feeling stuck. What do you give someone who already has everything? And how do you make it special for kids who already have more toys than they can play with?

All of that is happening at the same time you’re navigating Santa letters, school and office parties, gifts for the mailman or neighbor, travel plans… and it’s a lot. And instead of feeling festive, you’re feeling pressured to hustle your way through “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Over the years, I’ve learned a few key strategies that make the holiday season joyful and manageable especially now, when life is busy with kiddos, careers, and everything else. Here’s how my family does it.

1. Make a Master Gift List (Before You Buy Anything)

Step one is simple but essential. I write down everyone we want to give to: family, friends, teachers, neighbors, hosts, the mail carrier, etc.

Having this list keeps me from scrambling at the last minute or buying random gifts that don’t really matter. It also helps me get creative instead of defaulting to “just grab something.” It’s those extra people at the final hour that often stretch the budget. 

2. Set a Total Spending Plan for the Season

I set one overall plan for the season, and I include everything: gifts, holiday cards, decorations, hosting, holiday meals, travel, etc. 

Knowing the full picture of what we want to spend, and doing our best to commit to it ahead of time, keeps me intentional and aware instead of stressed. It’s not about restriction; it’s about clarity and freedom to enjoy the season without the worry of overspending while still being thoughtful to the people I care about most. 

3. Assign Spending Amounts for Each Person

Once the total plan is set, I break it down per person or group: spouse, kids, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, neighbors, coworkers, neighbors, etc. you get the idea.

Having clear amounts for each person prevents impulse buys and keeps the focus on thoughtful gifts instead of “just filling the cart.”

For my husband and me, this is flexible and fluid year to year. Some years we go all out for each other and other years a card or small gift feels right. We make these decisions in the context of our larger family goals. Why spend time and money on a gift I don’t really need when we could be enjoying an experience together instead, like skiing for the weekend?

4. Prioritize Meaningful and Creative Gifts

Some of the most treasured and remembered gifts we’ve given didn’t cost much. Think experiences together, framed photos or photo books, homemade items, or a special ornament the kids made.

In our family, we:

• Plan a gift exchange for immediate and extended family. Think aunts and uncles, cousins, siblings, etc. we get selected for one name out of the hat to focus on one person instead of everyone. We have a family gift limit for the exchange and then we spend an evening celebrating together at a family Christmas party.
  

• Make gifts for grandparents (photobooks, calendars or handmade items from the kids)

• Create thoughtful gift baskets and treats for teachers 

• Bake treats for neighbors, the mail carrier (plus gift card) and the trash truck drivers (yes, it’s a tradition because if you knew the importance of the trash truck in my son’s life from age 2-6, you would understand). 

Intentional, creative gifts are memorable and meaningful and don’t have to break the bank.

5. Track Everything as You Go

This is the not so secret, obvious, sauce :)….you need to track your progress to stay organized and aware. Track every purchase, wrapping status, receipt or delivery. Nothing derails a spending plan faster than forgetting someone or something, buying for them twice, or getting lost in the Amazon spending frenzy because you didn’t stay organized.

These holiday budgeting tips are simple, but they keep you from hitting January with regret!

That’s exactly why I created the Holiday Spending Planner, a tool for you to help take the guesswork (and guilt!) out of gifting so you can actually enjoy the season. 

No more post-holiday surprises. 

No more mental juggling of “who got what” or “wait, did I buy that already?”

This tool doesn’t just help you stay on target, it helps you gift with intention while keeping your sanity and bank account intact. 

It organizes everything:

• Every person you’re gifting to
  
• A spot for ideas and budget for each
  
• Checkmarks for what’s purchased, wrapped, and done
  
• Running totals – planned vs. spent
  
• A home base to simplify everything

Because let’s be honest, we’re not just managing gift lists. We’re managing mental load. And this planner helps you lighten that load.

✨ Click here to get your Holiday Spending Planner.

It’s the same system I use personally, and I wouldn’t face the holidays without it.

Let’s give in a way that feels good this year without guilt, without chaos, and without that January financial hangover.