Christmas is supposed to be fun, but the financial side of it can get stressful fast. My husband and I decided to set a budget of $200 for each other this year, which feels reasonable and realistic for where we are. We both agreed that having a set number keeps us from quietly overspending “just a little,” which is exactly how Christmas suddenly becomes a $1,000 holiday when you weren’t planning on it. A budget gives us a boundary, and it helps us enjoy the season without the guilt that usually shows up in January.
But even with a plan, Christmas still tests my self-control more than any other time of year. I’ll see something I know he would love and have that moment of, “Okay he’d love this… so maybe the budget doesn’t count?” It takes actual discipline to tell yourself no, especially when you’re shopping at places like TJ Maxx where everything feels like a “deal,” and suddenly I want to buy the entire store. And let’s be real, discipline is not my strong suit during Christmas. I swear something happens to my brain in December.
And then there’s everything outside of our gifts for each other. Friends, parents, siblings, coworkers… the list can add up quickly. It’s never from pressure, it’s just part of wanting to do something nice for the people in your life. But that’s exactly why planning ahead matters. This year, I’m actually using the gift tracker in my Christmas planner on Etsy, and it has helped so much. Being able to see who I’m shopping for and how much I’ve already spent keeps things from getting out of hand without me realizing it.
The good thing is, having these conversations as a couple has made the whole process easier. We’re on the same page, we’re honest about what we can afford, and we both want Christmas to feel enjoyable instead of financially overwhelming. It takes effort, but it also feels really good to know we’re making responsible choices without taking away the fun of surprising each other.
And speaking of surprises, here’s a little tip we’ve been using: since it’s all our money anyway, we’re each using our own credit cards for the gifts. That way, the purchases don’t show up on our shared activity and ruin the surprise. Then, after Christmas, we just pay them off. It keeps things secret and keeps things responsible… the perfect combination for a stress-free (and debt-free) holiday!
Disclaimer: The information in this post is based on our own experience and should not be taken as financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different. Find what works best for you and your family.
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