How to Manage Holiday Induced Financial Stress
There is no doubt we spend more money around the holidays.
Given inflation rates increasing and financial instabilities around the world, this year is even more complex. We want to enjoy the holidays!
We may love being generous with gift giving; heading out for a night on the town or hosting an event, but we also want to not feel the dread of our credit card bill in January.
If you are feeling the financial pressure of this holiday season, you are certainly not alone! Luckily there are some great ways to spend wisely this season that will allow you to keep the magic while avoiding the guilt and frustrations.
How do we manage it?
Mindful spending with awareness that aligns our spending to support our goals, values and human needs.
Gifting
Want, Need, Wear, Read
We follow a rule in our household for buying our children gifts. It allows us to stick to a budget, but also ensures meaning in gift giving.
The rule is to keep it to 4 gifts:
something they want
something they need
something they can wear
something they can read
… and then some stocking stuffers.
Make A List, Check it Twice
Make a simple list of where you anticipate spending money (gifts, parties, hosting, decorating, travel).
What matters most for you?
Is there a tradition that makes the holidays for you that you would like to prioritize?
Do you want to spend quality time with friends and family?
Is there a way to suggest no cost gifts, homemade sentiments or low cost activities to do together?
For example! Instead of gifts this year, do you want to grab some popcorn, favourite drink and come to my house for Christmas movie night?
Really, Really Enjoy what you Spend Money On
I was at an event and caught the eye of a woman that was taking a bottle of wine out of her purse. She said “Life is too short for cheap wine”. I feel the same way, but about coffee, chocolate and well…wine.
Instead of buying a holiday themed latte on the go, and getting it into you as fast as possible, slow down and enjoy it! It becomes a mindfulness experience in itself (see video below). You will also spend and consume less if you consume with intention. If you are spending $6 on a latte, lean in, slow down and enjoy the sh!t out of it.
A Mindfulness Practice
Research has shown that the best way to incorporate a new habit into your life is to fit it around your existing behaviour.
Through leading-edge science and a bit of humour, Lisa Belanger describes how to practice mindfulness to relieve stress, recharge and refocus in minutes by making simple changes to the way you are doing things every day, such as drinking coffee, taking a shower or driving to work.
Turn your holiday season into a magical adventure! ☃️
This isn't just any to-do list—it's your ultimate guide to savouring every delightful moment the holidays have to offer.
Send this card to a friend that will help them through a mindfulness practice so they can truly be in the moment this holiday season.
✔️ Smell the cinnamon & spice.
✔️ See the snowflakes fall.
✔️ Taste the eggnog.
✔️ Hear the fire crackling.
..and most importantly:
✔️ Be present.
This card isn't about obligations; it's a gentle nudge to prioritize joy, connection, and the simple pleasures that make this season truly special.
Share this card with family and friends, and together, make the most of this wonderful time. Spread the joy, spread the love, and savour every moment!
Dr. Lisa Belanger
Lisa has a Ph.D. in Behavioural Medicine, an Executive MBA, and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist and High Performance Specialist.
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