December is quickly approaching – a time where many of us come together and celebrate, and a time to reflect on our achievements while planning for the year ahead. For many households, 2025 hasn’t been easy, with high living costs and interest rates providing little to get excited about.
But with summer round the corner, and time with our families pencilled in the calendar, here’s how to make the holiday season manageable with some practical ways to embrace the excitement without a financial hangover.
1. Recognise your “money story” before you start spending
Everyone has subconscious beliefs about money, shaped by childhood experiences. If you grew up in a home where resources were scarce, you might still feel pressure to make up for it by over-giving now.
Being aware of your money story helps you to pause and ask: Am I spending out of choice, or out of habit and old patterns? With that awareness, you can make more intentional decisions that balance generosity with financial wellbeing.
2. Talk it through with family and friends
Holiday expectations often run high – but much of it is based on assumptions rather than conversations. Instead of silently stressing, be upfront about what’s realistic this year, whether it’s gift exchanges, shared meals, or travel plans.
If you have kids, this is also a powerful teaching moment. Children as young as five can start learning about budgets. Give them a spending limit (yours or “Santa’s”) and encourage them to research and prioritise their wish list within it. They’ll gain skills in decision-making and financial awareness that outlast the season.
3. Stay alert to temptations
Shopping centres, festive ads, and online promotions are all designed to tempt you. Before heading out, write a clear list and treat it as non-negotiable.
If you know you’re easily swayed, use online shopping or click-and-collect services to stay focused. It’s easier to compare prices, avoid impulse buys, and skip the stress of crowded malls.
4. Set limits and honour them
Generosity is wonderful – but not if it puts your own financial security at risk. Decide in advance what you can afford to spend per gift and stick to it. Remember, shared time, experiences, and traditions often mean more to loved ones than anything wrapped under the tree.
5. Be gentle with yourself
Overspending once doesn’t undo your whole financial plan. Like any long-term goal, progress is built through consistency, not perfection. If you go a little over budget, don’t let guilt take over – pause, reset, and refocus.
6. Give yourself the gift of a better financial future
The most meaningful present you can give yourself and your family isn’t bought in a store – it’s creating financial confidence that lasts. If you’d like guidance, structure, and accountability, working with a financial coach could change your trajectory well beyond the holiday season.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and does not replace personalised financial advice. To talk with a financial coach about your specific situation, book a consultation with enable.me. Fees apply.
