The holiday season is officially in full swing – Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations have been tucked into their boxes and shoved to the back of the attic until next year; meanwhile, icicle lights seem to have sprouted overnight, attaching themselves to just about everything in sight. The smell of gingerbread permeates the air. Bell ringers shout greetings, and reindeer antlers are worn by both children and adults with equal delight. If that doesn’t put you in the mood to watch White Christmas, Elf, or Home Alone, I just don’t know what will.
This time of year, though, can be not-so-merry for many individuals and their budgets. The days following Thanksgiving are particularly fraught with perils: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Soon-to-be-Hanukkah Sunday, Cyber Monday, Not-Quite-Christmas Tuesday. (Sadly, most of these are real.) Radio ads blare their three-year, interest-free payment plans to buy things you can’t afford now, like diamonds or laptops or golf clubs. Everywhere you look, there’s a sense of urgency to spend money: Buy now! Sale ends soon! One day only!
I’m here to give you permission to pause. Halt the holiday madness and take a step back. Pull out of the moment and decide: is this worth it? Is it worth the money you’ll spend or the stress you’ll bear?
I know it’s an unpopular sentiment, but this may be the one thing that keeps you sane. Repeat after me: you don’t have to do it all, buy it all, or be it all.
If you’re already stressed about money, buying into the notion you must spend more to make others happy will only worsen the situation. So try something new this season: buy less and do more things that truly feel worth it to you. You’ll enjoy the carols, snowflakes, and memories more now; as a bonus, you won’t start the new year with a fistful of receipts and a maxed-out credit card.
I’m not endorsing becoming a scrooge – simply be selective about where you invest your time, energy, and money. You’ll be surprised at how implementing this small practice gives the same permission to others. Suddenly, all our hearts are growing three sizes, and it really might just be a wonderful life after all.
Wishing you a merry, bright, and peaceful holiday season!