8 Holiday Budgeting Tips for Families (That Don’t Involve Cutting Out Fun)
My kids began their Christmas lists weeks ago, did yours?! (Thanks to the Amazon Kids Gift Book…) Although the season can be merry and bright, for some (like me) it’s necessary to have help creating a budget and planning for the budget busting…sorry I meant to say, holiday season. No better time than the present. This list will help you get creative with your budget so you can enjoy a fun season without worrying about overspending.
Set a Holiday Budget Goal: Start by picking a total budget for the season, then split it into categories (gifts, experiences, food).
Pro tip: Add a small “holiday fun” line item!
Coaching Question: What areas in your holiday budget would benefit from an extra "fun" boost, and how can you make space for it?
Our “holiday fun” line item has been the kids Christmas village through the years
2. Start a ‘Must-Have’ List: Suggest making a list of non-negotiables to prioritize spending on what really matters most.
Pro Tip: Before listing items, ask each family member to share their top two holiday priorities, so everyone feels involved and valued. (Look at photos from last year for inspiration if needed.)
Coaching Question: What’s one “must-have” that truly enhances your holiday experience, and why is it meaningful to you?
A non-negotiable holiday tradition for the adults in my family is champagne. Bonus points for this brand because it reminds me of Nicholas Flamel in Harry Potter
3. DIY the Holiday Spirit: From homemade ornaments to crafting holiday cards, this is where you can share ideas for holiday activities that are from the heart and big on charm.
Pro Tip: Set up a family DIY station with supplies for ornaments, cards, or gift wrap. Make it a weekend event to keep creativity flowing. (My dining table might or might not be a permanent craft station…)
Coaching Question: What’s one creative project that could bring out everyone’s unique style?
Last year I used this fabric to make tea towels for gifts. I had so much fun!
4. Experiences Over Extras: Experiences last a lifetime, extra “things” can sometimes pile up. Some of the best family experiences can be as simple as a zoo day, light festival, or a holiday train ride.
Pro Tip: Schedule experience-based activities on your calendar as family events. This creates anticipation and gives everyone something to look forward to.
Coaching Question: What experience would bring your family closer together this season?
Our kids still remember the short trip to Hot Springs, AR and have asked to go back!
5. Shop Smarter, Not Harder: Share smart shopping strategies like making lists, finding deals, or using cash-back apps.
Pro Tip: If possible, buy gift cards throughout the year to spread out costs and give yourself a buffer.
Coaching Question: What shopping strategy can you try this year to make the process smoother and more enjoyable?
Purchasing gift cards throughout the year actually spreads the joy out longer for me!
6. Focus on the ‘Free’ (or low cost) and Fun: Emphasize free or low-cost traditions like neighborhood light tours, holiday movie nights, or a cookie-baking day.
Pro Tip: Research events in your community for holiday activities like tree lighting, holiday markets, or caroling.
Coaching Question: What free activities have made the holidays memorable in the past?
This gingerbread tree was a fun activity over the Christmas break
7. Celebrate Little Wins: Give encouragement and celebrate sticking to a budget, with ideas like a family “money jar” for fun things everyone can look forward to together.
Pro Tip: Consider rewards each time your family sticks to the budget, like with a cozy night in or a family hot cocoa celebration.
Coaching Question: How can you celebrate progress with your family in small, meaningful ways?
Hot coco is a favorite in our house - even during non-holiday times
8. Memories Over Money: Remember the holidays aren’t about how much you spend, but how you spend your time together.
Pro Tip: Prioritize one-on-one time. Simple moments-like sharing a holiday story-can be more memorable than elaborate plans.
Coaching Question: What’s one simple, heartfelt tradition you can start this year that won’t cost a thing?
Spending time together reading in bed
There you have it. If it helps, print this list out and put it on your craft (aka dining table) for easy reference. These points not only create opportunities for lasting memories but help encourage family values and priorities too. Hopefully these ideas will help you begin the holiday planning process so you can not only spread cheer but gain more joy for yourself too!
Until next time, enjoy the journey!
Christi
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