Let me cut to the chase: The holidays have become a financial nightmare for the middle class. I see it in my work every day—families who want to create a magical season for their loved ones but are drowning in the rising costs of, well, everything.

Airfare is outrageous, gifts feel like a mortgage payment, and even throwing a small holiday party can obliterate your budget. Let’s call it what it is: bullshit. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to play along.

What’s Really Happening?

“The middle class is being crushed under the weight of traditions that no longer make sense,” I tell clients all the time. “We’re trying to recreate the holidays we grew up with, but we’re living in a completely different financial reality.”

Think about it:

• Traveling to see family can set you back hundreds, if not thousands, between flights, gas, and hotels.

• Gifts have become a competition—one that nobody wins when January credit card bills roll in.

• Hosting a holiday dinner? You might as well set up a payment plan with the grocery store.

And let’s not forget the pressure to have your house Instagram-perfect with lights and decorations. The middle class isn’t just stressed; they’re being robbed of what the holidays are actually about.

What Do the Holidays Really Mean?

Let me be real with you: Nobody cares about the price of the gift you give them. Nobody’s going to remember if your dinner was catered or if your house looked like the North Pole. What people will remember is how they felt when they were with you.

“The holidays aren’t about spending—they’re about connecting,” I always say. “We’ve got to stop chasing a picture-perfect idea of the season and focus on what truly matters.”

Here’s What I’m Doing This Year

You might be thinking, Okay, Stoy, that sounds great, but how do I actually make it work? I hear you. This year, I’m ditching the nonsense and focusing on the things that matter. Here’s my plan, and I challenge you to do the same:

1. Say ‘No’ to Guilt
   I’m setting boundaries. If I can’t afford a trip or a gift, I’m being upfront about it. “The best gift you can give your family is honesty and financial stability,” I always tell people.

2. Get Creative with Gifts
   This year, I’m writing letters to my closest friends and family. I’m talking about real stuff—how much they mean to me, memories we’ve shared. That’s more valuable than any gadget.

3. Host Smarter, Not Harder
   Instead of footing the bill for a massive dinner, I’m making it a potluck. Everyone brings something, and we all win. It’s cheaper, and honestly, it’s more fun.

4. Rethink Travel
   If I can’t make it to see family during the holidays, I’m planning to visit them at a less expensive time. And if that doesn’t work, there’s FaceTime.

5. Simplify the Lights and Décor
   My house isn’t going to look like a winter wonderland, and I’m okay with that. A few meaningful decorations are more than enough to set the mood.

Here’s the Real Holiday Hack

“The secret to a great holiday isn’t in your wallet—it’s in your mindset,” I tell my clients. The minute you let go of the need to impress people or recreate some Hallmark moment, you free yourself.

This season, focus on the people you care about. Have the tough conversations about money. Teach your kids what the holidays are really about—love, gratitude, and connection.

Let’s Rewrite the Holidays

I’m not saying it’s easy to break old habits or say no to traditions you grew up with. But I am saying it’s worth it. You don’t need to go broke trying to make the season special.

“The middle class isn’t losing the holidays—we’re redefining them,” I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. So, this year, let’s skip the stress, embrace what matters, and take back the season.

Let’s make this holiday the one where we choose joy over debt, connection over chaos, and love over materialism. You’ve got this.

Need Personalized Financial Guidance?

If you’re looking to take control of your financial future and need some no-nonsense advice, consider booking a Power Hour with us at Black Mammoth. It’s a one-hour, focused consultation where we tackle your specific financial challenges head-on. No fluff, just actionable insights to get you on the right track.

What You Get in a Power Hour:

• Tailored Advice: We focus on your unique financial situation and goals.

• Expert Insights: Benefit from over 13 years of experience in the financial industry.

• Actionable Plan: Walk away with clear steps to improve your financial health.

How to Book:

1. Visit our Power Hour page.

2. Choose the area you want to focus on: Financial, Business, Strategy, or Marketing Consulting.

3. Select a time that works for you and schedule your session.

Remember, taking control of your finances is the best gift you can give yourself and your family this holiday season. Let’s make it happen.