Christmas Is Not an Emergency: Why You Should Start Budgeting for It Now
We hate to be the ones to say it... but Christmas is coming. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But it is definitely on the calendar - and yet somehow, every year, it feels like a surprise.
Here’s your gentle reminder: Christmas is not an emergency. It's a planned event that comes around every single year. So instead of letting December ruin your budget (and your stress levels), let’s start prepping now.
🎄 Why You Should Start Budgeting Early
We all know the drill. You hit December and suddenly it’s presents, parties, travel, decorations, food, Secret Santa, last-minute shopping, and a whole lot of stress. The expenses snowball fast, and if you haven’t planned for it, it can easily wipe out your savings or rack up debt.
But if you start putting money aside now?
Future You will be living your festive life stress-free and debt-free, with a glass of Prosecco in hand.
🧠 Step 1: Figure Out What You Actually Need
Start by making a list of all your potential expenses. Think:
Gifts (family, friends, work)
Wrapping paper and cards
Food and drinks
Travel costs
Decorations
End-of-year events
New outfits or beauty appointments
Once you’ve got your list, add up a rough total. It doesn’t have to be perfect — just a realistic ballpark to aim for.
💸 Step 2: Break It Down Monthly
Let’s say your Christmas budget is $1,200. If you start saving in April, that gives you 8 months to prep.
That’s just $150 per month, or less than $35 per week. Way more manageable than trying to pull it all together in November or whack it on a credit card.
🏦 Step 3: Open a Dedicated Christmas Savings Account
Set up a separate savings account (ideally a high-interest one) just for Christmas. Name it something festive like Santa’s Stash or Sleigh My Budget if you’re feeling cute.
Automate a weekly or monthly transfer, then forget about it. When December rolls around, you’ll have a juicy little fund waiting for you.
🎁 Bonus Tips to Stay on Track
Shop slowly, not all at once. Start grabbing gifts early when you see a good deal.
Use cashback apps or reward points to cut costs where you can.
Set boundaries. You don’t have to buy gifts for everyone. A shared Secret Santa or homemade baked goods can go just as far.
Avoid buy now, pay later. Your January self will not thank you.
The Bottom Line?
Christmas is meant to be joyful, not financially stressful. A little bit of planning now means a lot less panic later.
So start saving early, get organised, and enjoy a December that feels festive — not financially exhausting.
Did you know?
We have a whole curated playlist of podcast episodes all about How to Save for Chirstmas!!
***Please remember our blogs aren’t intended as financial advice - they’re intended only as a starting point to give you a little extra info! For more in-depth advice catered to your personal financial position, please see a certified financial advisor.