8 Ways to Financially Prepare for Christmas

In years past, I've felt totally stressed out about Christmas shopping before it was even Thanksgiving! This year is going to be different! I'm preparing ahead of time with these 8 tips. #7 is the best ever! #christmasbudget #holidayspending #Christmasprep #budgetingforChristmas #savingforChristmas

Christmas always seems so far away, and then suddenly….it’s here.

Even though we technically have 12 whole months to plan, most of us {including myself!} wait until the last minute. It’s almost like we enjoy frantically rushing around grabbing last minute gifts and making sure holiday traditions are kept, no matter how much they add to our stress level.

Thankfully, with the Christmas gift planner template in Notion, it’s been easier than ever before to manage not only my gift list, but the budget as well!

Although hardcore planning may not completely erase our anxiety, there are ways to make it just a little bit easier. These financial tips give your wallet some much needed room to breathe, and perhaps help you relax a little bit more too!

Relax. Christmas is Covered.


Stay organized this holiday season with the all-in-one Notion Christmas Planner! This one-stop location tracks your holiday budget, gift lists, menus, and more for a stress-free season you’ll actually enjoy.

1. Start setting money aside now

It’s always a good idea to budget for Christmas gifts, food, decorations, etc, and if you haven’t done so yet, it’s time to start.

Think about what you would normally spend around the holidays. Then take a specified amount of money each week from your paycheck to put in a cash envelope, or as a separate column in your budget sheet. Even though it’s almost December, this post on Money Saving Mom will explain why it’s still not too late.

2. Make a menu plan, and stock up when items are on sale

Baking supplies come very cheap starting in November, but they often have limits of 2 per customer. Try to buy at least one or two items each time you make a trip to the store, so you don’t have to make a last minute run to finish your favorite cookie recipe.

You can also bake cookies, pies, bars….pretty much anything you make in advance will freeze, which will give you more time to enjoy family, and less time in the kitchen.

3. Stick to your list on Black Friday

I love scoring amazing deals on Black Friday, but they aren’t such a good deal if I’m buying more than I need, or “just because” it’s a good deal. So to prevent this from happening, I make a plan!

When you go through store ads after the Thanksgiving meal, make a detailed list of what you’re getting, who you’re buying for, and stick to that list. Then go out armed with your plan or enjoy snagging Black Friday deals while still in your PJs!

4. If you find a good deal, count the retail price, not the discount

What exactly do I mean by this?

Let’s say you find an $8.00 doll for your niece, marked down from $20.00, and you normally spend $15 on her. Don’t go looking for another $7.00 to spend to make up the difference. Cross her off your Christmas list and count it done. No one has to know!

5. Start making homemade gifts

Homemade gifts are a great way to save money, and still give a family member or friend something really special.

A pretty package full of homemade gourmet popcorn tied with a ribbon, or a fancy sugar scrub doesn’t have to cost more than a few dollars, and they’re so well-received. Visit my DIY Gifts Pinterest board for inspiration or check out my 21 Handmade Gifts you can make in less than an hour for even more ideas!

6. Pare down the gift giving

Christmas really isn’t about all the gifts, and if you really want to make a difference in your budget, reduce your spending limit. Buy one or two gifts for each of your kids, rather than 10-15 toys they’ll use that day but never touch again.

Also, if you have a large extended family that keeps growing, consider talking about eliminating gifts altogether or buying a gift for each family unit, rather than individually.

7. Limit the amount of Christmas cards you send

The wonderful thing about technology, is that we can stay up-to-date without waiting for the annual Christmas letters. Plus, with the cost of stamps being so high, sending Christmas cards can get really expensive…fast.

Either keep your list to a select few, or figure out another, more affordable option.

This year, I’m planning on sending an email newsletter to my friends and family. With services like MailChimp, you can still send something really personal, add pictures, and write a small {or long!} greeting. And you can still send snail mail to Grandma if you need to.

8. Make a list of items for next year

As you are wrapping gifts, making cookies, or decorating the tree, make note of what you have, what you use, and what you’re going to need for next year.

Just because wrapping paper and boxes of ornaments are 70% off after Christmas, doesn’t mean you need to add to your stash. Look at what you will actually use, and buy items based on needs, not finds.

I hope you don’t think me too much of a Grinch after reading this post! I just know how much Christmas can take a toll on a family that has a very tight budget {which is exactly where we are}, and I love finding ways to help ease that burden, if only a little at a time.

What is your best tip to prepare for Christmas?

Was this post helpful? Please consider sharing the love!

11 Comments

  1. I start shopping in January for the kids. Little boys never get sick of hot wheels. And all the bath sets on sale for the girls. All the adults I made cookies and chex mix. I buy what i need through the year. Love this list I may start the money aside one.

    1. I love that you have a specific gift idea for all the adults — I’m thinking of doing more food this year as well. We don’t always need all that stuff!

  2. I found this great post from the Frugal Friday Link Up Party! OH My! I never realized how much I don’t do #4. I always make up the difference with another gift. Thanks for sharing.

  3. I like to start shopping super early. If you have space for it, a Rubbermaid tub makes great gift storage so you can shop all year and pack the gifts away. It makes it easier to give lots of gifts if you’re like me and hate to leave anyone out.

  4. I have started 4 gifts for my two girls…Want it, need it, wear it, read it gifts that leaves me a little
    extra for family/friends. Most of our family and friends are online now so I have cut out Christmas cards and just send a family picture and wish a Merry Christmas online. I like to make homemade candy my probelm who NOT to give it to.

  5. Great list Kalyn! I struggle with the #4. I always feel like I HAVE to spend the dollar amount. I’m guilty of excessive Christmas cards too, but they’re something that I love to do.

  6. I make our Christmas cards. We also have a Christmas Card swap at our church. We have a basket to drop off the cards and volunteers to sort them. Then we either pass them out or they can be picked up at a designated table. This has really helped a lot of people who are struggling financially right now.

    1. I love that Christmas card swap idea! I really want to start making our Christmas cards, but so far, I just haven’t had the time. I usually like to wait until after Christmas and stock up on cards for the next year. I’ve gotten some great deals that way!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *