Holiday SZN!!!
I thought it might be too early to start dropping holiday-related posts — but with Thanksgiving only a few weeks out, and my wife telling me she’s already done with her Christmas shopping, I guess... ’Tis the season!
Thanksgiving and Christmas are hands-down some of the best times of the year. The decorating. The food. The family. That stretch of PTO you’ve been saving. And ahh yeaaaaa, the gifts.
But with all that good energy usually comes spending. And in this economy? People are already doing the most just to keep up with rent, gas, and groceries. So when you add in all the extras — food, decorations, and gifts — it can easily turn into a season of debt if you’re not intentional.
So before the turkey hits the table or the wrapping paper starts flying, here are a few simple ways to enjoy the holidays without letting your finances take a hit.
🦃 Thanksgiving Prep Tips
“The goal is to celebrate — not to go broke showing love.”
1. Plan your meals early
Before you even step foot in the grocery store, make a list of what you actually need. Prices always creep up around the holidays, and last-minute shopping is how you end up spending $30 on cranberry sauce and impulse snacks.
Smart Grocery Move: Don’t sleep on frozen goods! Veggies, fruits, and meats often cost less and last longer. You can also use apps like Ibotta, Fetch, or Rakuten to get cash back on your purchases. Every few dollars saved here adds up. This is especially true if you’re feeding a crowd.
2. Make it a potluck
Don’t try to do it all yourself. Ask family and friends to bring a side, dessert, or drink. It spreads the cost around and brings everyone together in the process. Which is what the holiday’s supposed to be about anyway.
Bonus Tip: Handle the main dishes (like the turkey or mac & cheese) and let others bring the rest. Most people love contributing! It makes the meal feel more like a group effort than just dinner at your house.
3. Use your rewards and points
If you’ve been collecting grocery points, credit-card cash-back, or store rewards all year, now’s the time to use them.
Extra Win: Use the card that gives the best cash-back or grocery bonus. But only if you’re paying it off right after. A credit card balance at 20% interest will undo all those savings faster than you can say “leftovers.”
🎁 Smart Christmas Shopping
“Financial peace is a gift too — wrap that up for yourself this year.”
1. Try a Secret Santa
Big family or friend group? Suggest doing a Secret Santa instead of buying something for everybody. One thoughtful gift > ten random ones.
Make It Fun: Use a site like Elfster or DrawNames so everyone can drop wish lists and keep it anonymous. It keeps things light, personal, and way less expensive.
2. Follow the 4-Gift Rule
This one’s a classic that actually works. Especially for parents or couples trying to stay disciplined.
Buy:
Something they want
Something they need
Something to wear
Something to read
And if you’re feeling generous, throw in a fifth: an experience.
Memories last longer than the stuff we buy.
Budget Bonus: Set a limit per category. Say $50 max for “want” and $25 for “wear.” Keeps everything balanced and stress-free. You can even set up a small “holiday fund” in a separate account or envelope so your gift money doesn’t come out of rent or bill money.
💭 Final Thought
This season’s about connection, not comparison. You don’t need to “out-gift” or “out-decorate” anyone to make it meaningful. What matters most is being present, not how many presents are under the tree.
So plan early, spend wisely, and enjoy your people. Because at the end of the day…
Presence > Presents.
