The holiday season is often painted with festive cheer, but let’s be real—when money’s tight, Christmas can be a real pain in the A**, but it doesn’t have to break the bank every year.  

This year, it’s time to sleigh your spending and navigate the festive season confidently, even amidst this economic crisis. Don’t be that stressed-out last-minute shopper buying everything 100x more expensive due to the Christmas markup! You're better than that! 

To make sure Christmas doesn’t break the bank this year, you need to: 

• Talk about it with your Whānau 
• Create a budget to make sure you can afford what you want to do 
• Plan your Christmas meals  
• Plan out your presents – don't buy randomly 
• Take advantage of the sales (you can only do this if you create a plan early) 

Let’s get prepared together this Christmas! 

Talk to Your Whānau About Christmas 

Christmas is all about whānau, coming together to enjoy good food, and drinks, and the joy of spoiling those nephews and nieces. However, we can’t ignore the financial impact that can come with the festivities. 

Open communication with your whānau is essential to reduce holiday stress. It’s important to agree on a plan together: 

• Presents – Agreeing upfront on simple things like present budgets, and who you will give presents is important. Or even better, setting new traditions like Secret Santa, or for the braver, you can even go as far as Dirty Santa (check out how here).  Talking about it and planning avoids spoiling the kids rotten and means all presents are valued which is important for people that have spent effort and/or money on presents 
• Christmas meal – Far too often the cost and burden of Christmas lunch/dinner can fall on the host. Opt for a potluck dinner and be regimented about who needs to bring what.  Make sure that the burden is spread between everyone. 

It’s never easy talking to your Whānau about these things. But you are far better off having the conversation early rather than spending Christmas worrying about how you will pay for it all in January. 

Create a Budget and stick to it 

The first step to a stress-free Christmas is setting your holiday budget in advance. By outlining your expected expenses for gifts, meals, travel, and decorations, you’ll know exactly where your money is going.  

This early planning not only keeps you organised and helps you avoid those last-minute splurges but also gives you time to save up in advance.   

Check out this blog here for some tips on how to set a budget. 

Plan Your Christmas Meals 

When it comes to festive feasting, a little planning goes a long way. Create a list of all the delicious meals and snacks you want to prepare for your gatherings. This strategy helps you shop smarter and can save you from impulse buys. Plus, focusing on seasonal ingredients means you’ll find great deals, allowing you to whip up tasty dishes without overspending. 

Carefully Plan Your Presents 

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Make a thoughtful list of presents while sticking to your budget. Consider DIY gifts or shared experiences instead of material items—they can often be more meaningful and much easier on your wallet. A homemade treat or a fun outing with loved ones can create cherished memories without the hefty price tag. 

Take Advantage of Sales 

Keep your eyes peeled for sales and discounts as the holiday season approaches. Whether it’s a special promotion at your local store or a flash sale online, shopping early can help you snag fantastic deals on gifts and festive supplies. Don’t forget to check out local markets, where you might find unique items at a fraction of the cost 

Wrapping It Up with a Bow 

As we gear up for the holiday season, remember that being prepared is your secret weapon against the chaos! With a little planning and a solid budget, you can enjoy Christmas without the financial hangover. After all, no one wants to start the New Year buried in debt—unless it’s from buying a mountain of festive fruitcake, which we all know nobody really wants! So let’s sleigh the season together and make this Christmas one to remember for all the right reasons—like laughter, love, and maybe even a few questionable holiday sweaters! Happy planning!