Making the Holidays Meaningful Without Breaking the Budget
Traci Froscheiser, AIF, CPFA
The holiday season is almost here! And while it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, let's be honest—it can also be one of the most stressful.
Between busy schedules, taking time off work, holiday parties, food and drinks, the dang Elf on the Shelf, and figuring out how we're going to afford everything the kids have circled in the Christmas catalogs, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed.
If that sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone!
As my kids have gotten older, I've noticed that their Christmas lists seem to get shorter, but the price tags keep getting bigger! I know how fortunate we are, and I'm incredibly grateful for that. But even so, holiday expenses can add up quickly, sometimes before we even realize how much we've spent.
As both a mom and a financial advisor at Garnett Investment Strategies, I know the importance of having a plan. And while I spend much of my professional life helping families prepare for their financial futures, I also believe that good financial habits start with the everyday decisions we make—including how we approach holiday spending.
Over the years, I've found a few simple strategies that help our family enjoy the season without letting holiday spending get out of hand.
Make a Budget—and Stick to It
I know, I know. It's not the most exciting part of Christmas shopping, but it's probably the most important!
Before I start buying gifts, I take a look at everyone's wish lists and decide how much we're comfortable spending. I break our budget down by person, prioritize the items on their lists, and work from there.
Once that person's budget is used up, I'm done shopping for them.
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and think, "Oh, just one more thing!" But those little extras can add up quickly.
Having a budget doesn't take away from the joy of giving. It actually helps me enjoy the process more because I know we're spending within our means.
Start Shopping Early
I'm a big believer in getting a head start on Christmas shopping.
When you know what you're looking for, you have time to watch prices, compare options, and take advantage of a good deal when you find one.
Starting early also allows us to spread holiday purchases over a couple of months instead of having everything hit our budget in December.
And let's face it, anything that makes December a little less hectic is a win in my book!
Take Advantage of Sales—but Don't Let Them Fool You
Who doesn't love a good sale?
Coupons, discounts, and holiday promotions can be great ways to stretch your gift budget. But here's something I always try to remind myself:
Just because something is on sale doesn't mean it's a good purchase.
We've probably all bought something because it was such a great deal, only to realize later that it wasn't really what we wanted or needed.
A bargain is only a bargain if it's something you were planning to buy in the first place.
Be Intentional with Your Gifts
We all joke about not buying Mom a vacuum cleaner for Christmas, but sometimes practical gifts really are appreciated!
I've always been a fan of putting things like socks and underwear in my kids' stockings. As they've gotten older, those gifts have evolved into things like lip balm, skincare products, and other everyday items they'll actually use.
Not every gift needs to be extravagant or expensive to be appreciated.
Sometimes the most thoughtful gifts are the simple ones that show you've paid attention to what someone needs or enjoys.
The Best Gifts Aren't Always Under the Tree
As our kids have gotten older, our family has started shifting our focus away from buying more things and toward creating more experiences together.
This became especially meaningful to us after we lost both of my in-laws in the same year.
Losing people you love has a way of changing your perspective. It reminded us just how short life really is and how important it is to make memories while we have the opportunity.
During a family trip, we asked our kids whether they'd rather have more presents under the Christmas tree or spend that money doing something together as a family.
Their answer surprised us a little.
They would rather go somewhere and do something together.
That conversation really stuck with me.
It was a reminder that what our kids value most isn't always another gift to unwrap. Sometimes it's simply having our time and attention.
And those memories? They're something we can all carry with us for years to come.
Some of My Favorite Gifts Haven't Cost Much at All
I've always loved gifts that have a personal touch.
One of my favorite traditions is buying Christmas ornaments with my kids' pictures on them. It's so much fun to look back each year and see how they've grown. I also love the ornaments they've made themselves. Those are the ones I treasure most.
One year, I made tie blankets for all my nieces and nephews. They loved those blankets for years—not just for one Christmas season.
And you know what gift I would absolutely love from my own family?
A night of babysitting!
If my brother, mom, or dad offered to spend an evening with our kids so my husband and I could enjoy a date night or an evening with friends, that would mean so much.
It wouldn't cost them anything but their time. And the bonus? They'd get to make their own special memories with the kids.
Sometimes the gifts that mean the most are the ones that can't be bought in a store.
Don't Let Holiday Spending Steal Your Holiday Joy
Here's something I hope we can all remember as the holidays approach:
You don't need to go into debt to create a wonderful Christmas.
You don't have to buy the latest trend, the hottest gadget, or the most popular toy to make the season special.
Decide what you're comfortable spending, make a plan, and give yourself permission to stick to it.
At Garnett Investment Strategies, we talk a lot about planning for the future, making thoughtful financial decisions, and aligning your money with what matters most to you.
Those principles aren't just for retirement planning or investment decisions. They apply to everyday life, too.
And the holidays are a perfect example.
Financial well-being isn't about never spending money. It's about making intentional choices so you can enjoy today while still feeling confident about tomorrow.
A Final Thought from My Family to Yours
When I think back on my own favorite Christmas memories, it's not always the presents I remember.
It's the traditions, the laughter, the family gatherings, and the time spent with the people I love.
I think our kids will remember those feelings, too, long after they've forgotten what was inside the boxes under the tree.
So this holiday season, I encourage you to focus a little less on how much you're spending and a little more on the memories you're making.
Because at the end of the day, the greatest gifts we give our families often have very little to do with money.
From my family to yours, and from all of us at Garnett Investment Strategies, I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments.
Happy Holidays!