‘Tis the Season to be Jolly, Not Broke

by Joanne Grobbelaar

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly, Not Broke – Setting Money Boundaries This Christmas
The festive season is upon us! A time for twinkling lights, cosy gatherings, and… financial stress?

Unfortunately, for many, the joy of Christmas can be overshadowed by the pressure to spend, spend, spend. But this year, let’s rewrite the narrative. Let’s explore how setting healthy money boundaries can lead to a truly joyful and financially secure holiday season.

Homefront Harmony – Budgeting for Bliss
Picture this, it’s January, the decorations are down, and you’re staring at your credit card statement with a sinking feeling. Sound familiar?

Overspending during the holidays is a common trap, but we can avoid it.

Three ways I encourage our people to get ahead of the Christmas financials drama is by writing themselves a permission slip focusing on:

The Mindful Money Budget – Creating a budget isn’t about deprivation; it’s about conscious spending and aligning your spending with your values. As we learned in the “Money Can Be Your Love Story” immersion day, money is energy, and directing that energy mindfully allows us to create a life we love.
The Gift of Communication – It is important to communicate openly and honestly with loved ones about spending limits. Suggesting Secret Santa, homemade gifts, or experiences instead of material presents can relieve financial pressure and create meaningful memories.
The Joy of Saying No – It’s okay to decline invitations or purchases that don’t align with your budget. Remember, saying no to something that compromises your financial wellbeing is saying yes to a calmer, more secure future.

Workplace Wellbeing – Navigating the Christmas Money Boundaries
The workplace can be a minefield of financial pressure during the holidays. From Secret Santa to extravagant work parties, getting swept up in the spending frenzy is easy.

When it comes to workplace spending culture, think about:

Setting Expectations – If you’re organising a Secret Santa, suggest a reasonable spending limit everyone feels comfortable with.
Opting Out Gracefully – Opting out of activities that strain your budget is perfectly acceptable. A simple “Thank you so much for the invite, but I won’t be able to make it this time” is sufficient.
Focus on Connection – Remember, the true spirit of the holidays lies in connection and appreciation, not expensive gifts or lavish celebrations.

Self-Care Through Financial Security
Taking care of your finances is an act of self-care. You feel more empowered, confident, and at peace when you’re financially secure.

Here are a few tips to navigate the season and head off the January blues:

Track Your Spending – Use a budgeting app or a simple notebook to monitor your expenses. I’m personally a notebook gal. We also recommend the YNAB app. Awareness is the first step to mindful spending.
Plan Ahead – Start saving for Christmas early in the year. Even small, regular contributions can make a big difference.
Prioritise Experiences – Instead of accumulating more “stuff,” consider gifting experiences like concert tickets, cooking classes, or weekend getaways. These create lasting memories and often cost less than material gifts.

Remember – Setting Christmas money boundaries is not about being selfish or Scrooge-like. It’s about honouring your needs and creating a life of financial freedom and peace of mind.

Resources and Next Steps

Money Can Be Your Love Story Immersion Day: This immersive program provides tools and strategies to create a healthy and loving relationship with money. Learn more HERE.
Connect with me for more a conversation and support on creating all the boundaries HERE.
Read Worth It: Your Money, Your Life, Your Terms HERE.

This Christmas, let’s choose presence over presents, connection over consumption, and financial wellbeing over fleeting festive frenzy.

Let’s make this the season of joy, peace, and financial freedom.