🎄 Holiday Spending Without the Existential Dread (Yes, It’s Possible)
Ah, the holidays. A time for twinkling lights, warm beverages, chaotic family dinners, and—let’s be honest—financial panic.
Every year it starts off innocently: “I’ll just grab a few thoughtful gifts.” Next thing you know, you’re stress-wrapping novelty socks you bought for your cousin’s dog while questioning every life choice that led to this moment.
Let’s change the narrative. Here’s how to spend during the holidays without spiraling into a pit of dread and self-loathing.
🎁 1. Give the Gift of Not Going Broke
Here’s a radical idea: set a budget. No, seriously. Not the imaginary “I’ll just wing it” budget. We mean a real number you can actually afford to spend without needing to sell your soul (or plasma) come January.
Decide how much you can afford to spend for gifts and create a jar to begin putting money away well before the holidays. Determine your monthly amount needed and adjust your Jelli Budget accordingly, but make it realistic. $5 a paycheck may be enough to buy simple yet thoughtful gifts for the ones you love.
When it comes time to buy the gift, it will be a gift to yourself when you have the money to cover the purchase.
🎨 2. Get Crafty (Without Going Full Pinterest)
You don’t have to weave scarves out of ethically sourced alpaca fur. But baking cookies, making DIY hot chocolate kits, or even writing a heartfelt card can mean more than another Amazon gift card.
Pro tip: Nobody has ever cried happy tears over a bath bomb set. But they have over a handwritten note that made them ugly-laugh.
🎄 3. Start Traditions That Don’t Cost Money (Gasp!)
Some of the best holiday memories come from doing absolutely nothing that costs anything.
Examples:
- Pajama movie marathons
Cookie decorating disasters
Driving around judging people’s Christmas lights (with love, of course)
These moments stick. The price tag doesn’t.
🥂 4. Be Selfish (In the Best Way)
The holidays aren’t just about giving. They’re also about not giving… into guilt, pressure, or expectations.
Protect your peace. Say no when needed. If you can’t afford to join the big Secret Santa this year, suggest a White Elephant with a $10 cap. Boom—still festive, zero shame.
💸 5. Use the One-Day Rule
Before you buy something, wait a day. If you still think it’s a good idea tomorrow, go for it. If not, congrats—you just saved money and a small piece of your soul.
This applies especially to flash sales and those “they’ll love it!” impulse buys at checkout. Your nephew doesn’t need a glow-in-the-dark waffle maker. Probably.
🎉 Final Thoughts: Holidays Aren’t a Performance
Remember: You’re not a walking Hallmark movie. Your value isn’t measured in how many gifts you wrap or how much your bank account suffers.
Spend what you can. Give what matters. Laugh a lot. And leave the existential dread where it belongs—January.
Happy (non-anxious) Holidays. ✨ (in advance!)
