Budgeting for Christmas + a free printable

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Can you believe that Christmas is nearly here!?! This year has gone by so fast. While the most magical time of year is nearly upon us, there’s nothing magical about budgeting for Christmas. I love the holiday season, but it can be a very stressful time financially if you aren’t prepared.

Keep reading if you want to learn how to cross off everyone on your list this holiday season without going into debt. It may even be your first time ever cash flowing and budgeting for Christmas.

Make a list

First things first, you have to know exactly who you plan to purchase gifts for. Do you have a big family and only plan to purchase gifts for the kids? Does your family do a secret Santa? Should you include your friends and coworkers? The amount of people you have to purchase gifts for is the most important step. This helps you set your budget and adjust accordingly.

Create a budget

Remember, a budget is just a spending plan for your money. After you determine who all you plan to give gifts to, figure out a reasonable amount you’d like to spend. Be sure to set a realistic budget, so that you don’t go over. It’s best to have more than enough rather than not enough. I try to spend no more than $20 per child and $50 per adult.

Begin saving early

A year-round savings plan is optimal, but it’s not too late if you’re just getting started. It’s best to start early so that you can have a debt-free holiday season. By saving early, you’re able to save just a little each week and if you see spot something on sale, you can pick it up without it affecting your budget. We have our Christmas savings in our Sofi Money account, but you can opt to save in cash as well.

Get creative

If you’re a great baker or enjoy making crafts, consider using your talents to help keep your budget intact. Many people love homemade gifts. Something as simple as homemade ornaments with a photo of your kids for the grandparents is a great start. You could even start a tradition that they’ll look forward to every year.

Include food + decor costs

Many times, we forget to include the costs of Christmas dinner and any new home decor we plan to add during the season to our holiday budget. Be sure to leave room for these things as well. That way, your normal budget goes untapped and you’re able to still meet your debt payoff and/or savings goals.

Look for free entertainment

Focus on creating memories with your family rather than spending a lot of money. Drive around and look at Christmas lights, drink hot chocolate while watching your favorite holiday movie, or look for free winter activities in your community to enjoy with your family.

Practice contentment

It’s so hard to look at what everyone else is buying around the holidays. Start a gratitude journal to keep yourself from comparing what you have to others. Stuff doesn’t equal happiness. Don’t let others make you feel bad for not shopping excessively trying to have it all.

Utilize cash back apps

Shopping through cashback apps such as Ebates, Ibotta or Dosh is a great way to save money on items you plan to purchase anyway. Who doesn’t love saving money? All three apps are free for you to sign up, and you can save on items purchased at your favorite online stores and even during your weekly grocery runs. Not only will you be able to cross everyone off your list, but you’ll be able to make your budget dollars stretch. Win win!

Grab your free Christmas savings printable

I’ve created a Christmas savings chart to help you keep track of your savings. It’s free for you to download. Just fill out the form below and it’ll be sent directly to your inbox.

Once you’ve printed it out, add your goal at the top and the amount of how much each figure is worth. Color them in as your savings grow to keep track of your progress. Visuals are a way to make savings so much fun.

As of late, we’ve forgotten that Christmas, and the holidays in general, should be about cherishing our time with the people that we love. Not spending our last and going into debt to buy lavish gifts that others may never use. Just because you plan to save money this year, that doesn’t mean you won’t have an enjoyable holiday.

Are you budgeting for Christmas this year? What are some tips that have helped you save money?