The Lead-Up to Christmas: How to deal with the Financial Pressures of the Season

"I'm not in this world to live up to your expectations and you're not in this world to live up to mine." ~ Bruce Lee

Insights from a Certified Money Coach:

🎄Ah, the festive season - it’s here again like clockwork.

The twinkly lights are up, the scent of pine (or plastic substitute) is in the air, and let’s be honest - we’ve all probably been humming Christmas carols since October. I’ll admit I’m guilty of this. There’s just something about “All I Want for Christmas Is You” that refuses to stay in its assigned December box 😁

But here’s the thing no one really talks about when we dive headfirst into the season of giving: for so many of us, Christmas comes with its own kind of heaviness. It’s not just about decking the halls or figuring out if your mum wants another scented candle this year - it’s the financial pressure.

Let’s acknowledge it: the holidays can feel like this insistent shove to spend, spend, spend. There are presents to buy (and oh, the extra pressure to “make it special”), events to attend, outfits to plan, food to bring, and suddenly, you’re standing there wondering if you need a pay rise or a lottery win just to make it through December.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

If you’re already feeling some of that pressure, I want you to know this: it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s take a deep breath (figuratively or literally - your call). 🕉️

Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank, drain your energy, or leave you stewing in guilt afterwards. In fact, while it might sound radical, the way we approach Christmas can actually reflect who we are and what we value.

So, if you’re ready to flip the festive script, here are 3 ways to change how you approach the holiday season.

1️⃣ Set a Christmas Budget (yes, I said the ‘B’ word)

Budgeting. It’s about as exciting as watching paint dry, right?

I totally get it - it doesn’t exactly scream “festive joy.” But if we’re honest, managing your spending before it snowballs out of control can make the rest of your season a little brighter.

Here’s the thing about budgets: they give you clarity. And clarity is like a lighthouse in a foggy storm - it keeps you steady when all you want to do is panic-buy gifts on the 22nd of December (looking at myself here).

Start by sitting down and working out what feels realistic for you. This includes everything - presents, food, drinks, social outings, Secret Santas, even those cheeky impulse buys (I see you, novelty reindeer socks and jingle-bell earrings). Once you’ve got your number, stick to it. I know that sounds easier said than done (hello, shiny sales!), but trust me - your January self will be giving you a high five for having the foresight to rein it in.

If budgeting feels overwhelming (it does for many of us), try starting small:

• Set a cap on gift spending for each person. Perhaps a thoughtful $20 gift rather than splurging $100. Trust me, no one actually remembers how “expensive” a gift was; they remember how it made them feel.

• Plan your food shopping and avoid going rogue in the aisles. Christmas groceries have this sneaky way of ballooning into a trolley that looks like you’re feeding a small nation. (Guilty again.)

• Use cash if you can. Seeing your budget leave your hands as tangible money can make you pause in ways swiping a card never does.

2️⃣ Create Boundaries That Work for You

I know, I know. This one is hard ☹️

Boundaries always feel like the kind of thing other people are good at while we’re left sitting in a corner wondering how we agreed to 17 different Christmas events. But boundaries aren’t just for your social calendar—they’re for everything during the holidays.

Think about boundaries around:

• How much you spend on gifts. It’s okay to decide you only exchange gifts with immediate family, or implement a fun (but budget-friendly) Secret Santa.

• How many events you attend...and how long you stay at each. Remember, it’s okay to say, “I can’t make it this year” or to politely leave early when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

• Where you spend your energy. Are you baking 12 dozen Christmas cookies for the neighbourhood when you’d really rather just make one thoughtful batch? Give yourself permission to stop at enough.

Nature gets this, right? Even a tree knows its limits. If you overload it with too many decorations, it’ll tip, crash, and make a mess of the rug.

You are no different! Consider the areas where you’re stretching yourself too thin, and think about how much more peaceful things could feel if you gave yourself some breathing room.

3️⃣ Check In With Your Values

Now, here’s the big one: What does Christmas actually mean to you?

This is a question I wrestled with for years. For too long, I found myself lost in the whirlwind of trying to meet expectations - whether real or imagined. It wasn’t until I stopped and thought, This doesn’t feel like me - it just feels like habit, that I started to make real changes.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Would it matter if your tree wasn’t picture-perfect this year?

• If you swapped glitzy store-bought gifts for homemade ones?

• Or if you traded expensive outings for quiet nights playing board games with loved ones?

When your approach to Christmas lines up with what you actually value, the season suddenly feels lighter, freer, better. You’ll find yourself saying “yes” to what matters most, and “no” (gently but firmly) to everything that doesn’t. That alignment can create the kind of Christmas memories money simply cannot buy.

A Hopeful Reminder

Here’s the thing about Christmas: no matter how much society tries to slap a price tag on it, the most meaningful parts can’t be bought.

They’re found in laughter shared around a table, the smells of your favourite festive recipes wafting through the house, the tender act of writing someone a heartfelt card.

They’re tucked in the quiet traditions and the small moments of joy we might’ve overlooked while we were too busy searching for “the perfect gift.”

So if you’re staring at the lead-up to Christmas feeling overwhelmed, I hope this post reminds you that you’re not alone. The holidays are allowed to look different - for you, for your family, for what you need.

Take a breath. You’ve got this. And don’t forget - there’s beauty in simplicity, strength in saying “no,” and a kind of magic in remembering that you get to decide what this season is really about.

(And hey, if you made it to the end of my rambling commentary on Christmas, I love you. I know I can chat on like a magpie having a full-blown discussion with its reflection in a window, but you stuck with me anyway. You’re the best.)

So, tell me—what’s one way you keep the season simple and true to you?

Shoot me an email or drop a comment on my Facebook page.

Let’s swap some ideas. 🌿✨

While you’re here, be sure to snag my free workbook, Map the Gap.

It’s designed to make money goal setting a breeze - so easy and effective that it’s perfect for building into your regular routine. Even if you’re just dipping a perfectly polished toe into the world of Money Coaching, you’ll find it simple to dive in and get started. Trust me, the results will be so fabulous you’ll be amazed!

There’s nothing to lose except your fear of failure, so go ahead and grab your copy here.