I have an uncanny knack for overspending during the holidays despite my best intentions.

I make a budget, it seems realistic but something often happens during the holidays where I end up spending a lot more money than I anticipate I will or want to.

I’m personally of the notion that there’s more value in spending the holidays with family and friends, connecting and enjoying each other’s company, then giving expensive gifts. For me, gifts aren’t the essence of Christmas. Of course, as a child, I couldn’t help but revel in all the gifts (and because my birthday is 2 days after Christmas, it was lots of gifts all at once), but these days, I’d rather contribute my time to volunteer in the community or make a donation to a local non-profit. There are so many people in need, more so now than ever given the economy, and that to me, is the spirit of the holidays.

But alas, I’m also part of two families now – mine and my husband’s — that like to give gifts. And now that I’m married, the list to whom we give has expanded. But I believe there’s a way to keep it simple that celebrates the spirit of the holidays without overdoing it. This year, Bruce and I are committed to a smaller budget that’s focused on simple, less expensive gifts and more emphasis on just being together as family.
Take a listen to this week’s audio tip for some simple ways to give that don’t have to break the bank and are about celebrating in simple ways.

What about you, have you adjusted your spending for the holiday season? What are you doing this year to stay with a budget?

Filed under: Budgeting, Holidays, Overindulging