Keeping Christmas Stress-Free with Crystal Paine

Episode 519

Christmas is six weeks away, and some folks may already be feeling the stress.

The holidays should be a time of spiritual reflection and reconnection with family and friends…but too often, we lose sight of that in the quest for perfection. Crystal Paine is here to help us stay focused on the actual “reason for the season.”

Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most.

1. Start with a Christmas Budget

One of the best ways to enjoy a stress-free holiday is by setting up a Christmas budget. A budget is like a set of guardrails—it keeps you on track, preventing you from overspending or going into debt. Here’s a simple way to create one:

Determine Your Total Spending Limit: Decide how much you can comfortably spend this season.
List Your Recipients: Write down everyone you’re buying for and assign a spending amount for each.
Track Your Spending: Use a spreadsheet or the FaithFi app to keep a running total of your spending.

By creating a budget, you’ll know exactly what you have left to spend without sacrificing your financial well-being for the New Year.

2. Plan Your Holiday Shopping

If you tend to overspend during holiday sales, using cash-only or prepaid gift cards is a great way to ensure you stick to your budget. Here are some extra tips:

Shop with Gift Cards: Consider using Amazon or store-specific gift cards to control spending.
Use Deal Sites: Websites like MoneySavingMom.com and RetailMeNot.com offer deals and coupons.
Best Shopping Times: Black Friday week and the following two weeks are generally the best time to find the deals you’re looking for.

With some planning, you can keep your shopping affordable and enjoyable.

3. Keep Holiday Cooking Manageable

Holiday cooking can be a joy, but it can also become a significant source of stress. It’s advised that you embrace shortcuts where possible:

Use Pre-Made Ingredients: Don’t feel guilty about using store-bought cookie dough or other pre-made items. Sometimes, it’s just as affordable as homemade.
One Baking Night: Consider dedicating one evening to bake as a family. Let each person choose one recipe and enjoy the process together without the burden of constant baking all month.

These small changes can bring balance to your holiday kitchen, making it a time of joy rather than stress.

4. Share the Hosting Responsibilities

If you’re hosting family or friends, don’t be afraid to ask guests to contribute. Include a note in your invitation encouraging each family to bring a dish. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also makes the event more collaborative and enjoyable for everyone.

5. Make a Family “December Bucket List”

To bring your family closer during the holiday season, consider creating a “December Bucket List.” Here’s an example: