Is it possible to have a stress-free holiday season?
Christmas is my favourite holiday. It has a lot going for it: great music, great food, great parties — everything you could want in a holiday.
It can also be very expensive — something I only started considering in adulthood.
And let’s face it: there’s nothing like knowing you’ll spend most of January paying off the credit card you used to purchase gifts for family and friends to steal away some of the magic of the season.
But what if it didn’t need to be that way?
What if it was possible to hang onto some of that magic — and let go of the stress associated with affording Christmas.
Here are five easy things you can do to reduce stress, both on your budget and in your life, during the holiday season.
5 TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON
None of these tips are revolutionary or difficult to implement. That said, I have found them to be very effective when it comes to having a stress-free holiday season.
Get started early
I start brainstorming ideas for Christmas in the summer. In June and July, I start to think about what gifts I might want to purchase for my loved ones — and I start stashing away money to buy them.
Why is this important: In my experience, getting started early reduces pressure associated with gifts. Along with giving time to save, it helps prevent scenarios where you’re left scrambling as a result of a change of plans (an item going out of stock, for example). Planning ahead sets you up for success.
Tip: Looking for a place to store your Christmas savings? My favourite way to do this is with a sinking fund. This makes it possible to save for Christmas a little bit at a time, instead of scrambling as the date draws near.
Know your budget
This is part of getting started early, but it deserves it’s own step. In our case, I know how much money we will have available to spend by the end of December at the beginning of the process — and I plan according to that budget.
Why is this important: By knowing what our budget is, you can stick with it — and as a result, avoid paying off credit cards in January. Knowing your budget helps you keep on track with your spending.
Tip: Your holiday budget isn’t just about gifts! Here are a few examples of important lines your holiday budget might be missing.
Work your plan
Need to hustle for more cash? Or maybe you’re planning an ambitious DIY project that will take up a lot of your time? Once you know what you’re looking to do and how much money you have available to implement your plan, set to work putting it into action.
Why is this important: Plans don’t work if you don’t. It’s that simple.
Tip: Stressed trying to find the perfect gift? Here are four my favourite gifts that can work for any budget!
Spread it out
I hate shopping in December. The stores are packed, people are frustrated and I have less of a chance of finding the items I want. This is why I spread out my shopping over several months — and aim to have it substantially complete by the end of November at the latest.
Why is this important: If you’re like me at all, spreading out the shopping will be better for both your mental state and your wallet. When you start early, you have more opportunity to shop for deals — and you get to do that without having to deal with as many frenzied fellow shoppers!
Tip: Do most of your shopping online? You absolutely need to be using Ebates. Seriously, if you do any online shopping at all, you owe it to yourself to sign up with Ebates.
Disclosure: Ebates link is a referral link. If you sign up using my link, I’ll earn a referral bonus at absolutely no cost to you. I use my Ebates money to help cover costs associated with hosting this blog; if you sign up with my link, thank you for your support!
Enjoy it!
Maybe the most important one on the list. Christmas comes once a year — it’s supposed to be a time for fun with family and friends so…relax and enjoy it!
Why this is important: There’s not much else to say, honestly. It just is.
Tip: Looking for some new traditions to try this holiday season? Here are five of our favourite frugal traditions (and one not-so-frugal idea).
Final Thoughts
When it comes to planning ahead for the holidays, a little bit can go a long way.
Planning ahead means you’re prepared to handle setbacks when they come your way. It also gives you more of an opportunity to relax and enjoy the holiday season. It takes a little work, sure, but I really do believe it’s worth it in the long run.
What’s your best tip for keeping the magic in the holiday season?
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