Rethinking Holiday Spending: A Real Talk for 2025

Alright, let’s have a heart-to-heart about something we’ve all dealt with: the oh-shit moment when January hits, and you’re staring at a credit card balance that makes you break into a cold sweat. That gut punch of guilt? Let’s reframe it. Because here’s the deal: spending a little more during the holidays isn’t inherently bad. It’s actually kind of beautiful when you think about it—those extra dollars are usually tied to creating memories with the people we love most.

The Real Problem Isn’t Holiday Spending

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of working with clients (and screwing up my own holiday budget a time or two): the problem isn’t holiday spending. It’s how we approach our money the rest of the damn year.

Think about it—December rolls around every year. It’s as predictable as that uncle making weird jokes at Thanksgiving. Yet somehow, we act like the holidays just sneak up on us, blindsiding our wallets.

Overspending isn’t the real issue. The real issue is that we don’t plan for the stuff we know is coming. It’s like signing up for a marathon but forgetting to train—of course it’s going to suck.

Get Ahead: Simple Math, Big Results

Let’s take a beat and get proactive. Grab your calendar, and let’s do some quick math:

• How much did you spend last holiday season? $500? $2,000? Whatever the number, own it.

• Divide it by 12—that’s what you need to set aside each month for this year’s holiday blowout.

Pro Tip: Consider your tax refund as part of your holiday budget. Instead of blowing it on impulse buys, stash some away for gifts, travel, or that epic charcuterie board you’ve been dreaming about.

What’s Your Earliest Money Memory?

Let’s get personal for a second. What’s your earliest memory of money? Seriously, think about it.

• Was it watching your parents fight over bills?

• Getting your first allowance?

• The sting of wanting something as a kid but being told, “We can’t afford that”?

These moments stick with us. They shape how we think about and handle money.

I had a client who used to go all out during the holidays—not because they loved shiny things, but because as a kid, their family barely scraped by, and Christmas felt like a season of “no.” Their spending wasn’t about bad budgeting; it was about filling a hole left by those early experiences.

Unpack Your Money Habits

This is where the real work happens. When you understand why you spend the way you do—what emotions or memories are driving your choices—you can start spending based on joy instead of fear or pain. And trust me, that’s a game-changer.

Here’s how to level up this year:

1. Automate Your Holiday Savings: Treat it like your rent or car payment. Even $50 a month adds up to $600 by December.

2. Unpack Your Money Memories: Grab a journal, sit with those early experiences, and figure out how they’re showing up in your financial habits today.

3. Define Your Holiday Values: What memories do you want to create this year? (Hint: The best ones don’t always come with the biggest price tag.)

Spend With Purpose, Not Fear

The goal isn’t to spend less—it’s to spend with purpose. When you plan ahead and tackle your money baggage, you get to enjoy the holidays guilt-free. No more January panic attacks—just solid vibes and good memories.

Let’s Make 2025 Different

As we kick off 2025, let’s stop focusing on restricting holiday spending and start building a healthier relationship with money all year long.

Financial planning isn’t about saying “no” to life—it’s about creating the freedom to say “hell yes” to the moments that matter most.

Your Turn:
What’s your earliest money memory? Drop it in the comments, and let’s dive into this together.