The holiday season can serve as a wonderful time when family and friends gather to give thanks, reflect on the year, and celebrate. And while this can be an exciting time, for some, the financial stress can have a profound impact on mental health and can cause depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and can even put a strain on relationships. These feelings may intensify during the holiday season for a number of reasons including gift-giving expectations or entertaining and travel expenses. Families may feel pressured to keep up with holiday traditions, which may include elaborate meals, decor, and holiday activities. These costs can add up quickly. However, this doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Below, we discuss a few tips for enjoying the holiday season on a budget:
- Delay buying: If you wait at least 30 minutes before making a purchase, this could result in you buying less.
- Share the load: If you’re hosting a meal, prepare the main dish and one side and ask your guests to bring the remainder of side dishes and desserts. This will cut your grocery bill significantly as well as time spent in the kitchen.
- Set a holiday season spending limit: Decide on a budget that covers gifts, food, and activities for the whole season and stick to it!
- Give handmade gifts: Things like baked goods and personalized photo albums are heartfelt gestures that can be made affordably.
- Organize a gift exchange: Suggest a Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange with your family or friend group. This way, each person buys only one gift, keeping costs low while still creating a memorable experience for all.
- Focus on experiences over gifts: Plan affordable or free holiday activities, such as baking together, watching classic holiday movies, doing crafts, or taking a drive to see holiday lights. These experiences can create strong memories with loved ones at little to no cost.
- Shop sales and use coupons: Take advantage of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and local store sales around the holidays to help keep costs down.
- DIY holiday decor: Making your own decorations with items like paper, pine cones, or ribbon can save money and create a fun activity for you and your loved ones.
- Set up a holiday savings account for next year: For future use, consider setting aside a small amount of money each month in a savings account for next year. This can help cover future holiday expenses without adding financial stress.
Enjoying the holiday season is all about focusing on what truly matters—creating memorable experiences, celebrating traditions, and spending quality time with loved ones. By planning thoughtfully, getting creative with gift-giving, and prioritizing meaningful moments over expensive purchases, you can enjoy the magic of the season without financial stress.
If you are experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety due to financial stress this holiday season, or any time of year, Centerstone is here for you. Call us at 877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123) or visit our website to learn more.
