The holidays can be a time when families come together, celebrate the season and share in memories of the past. It’s also a time when pressures from family, friends and work can seem overwhelming. Sometimes it feels more that we’re surviving the holidays than celebrating them.
It’s at times like these that we can feel pressure to spend more than our budgets will allow. However tempted we may be, it’s important to remember that we owe it to ourselves to be responsible and stick to our budgets, even when we’re inundated with offers to buy.
To help you cope, here are four easy ways to survive the holidays.
1. Don’t Take The Holidays Too Seriously
The holidays can bring on a complicated mix of emotions. We often feel pressure to not show how we’re feeling over the holidays. Instead, we may be tempted to indulge in “retail therapy.” This is exacerbated by plenty of advertising that is ready to yank at our heartstrings and our wallets.
It’s important to remember, that the holidays are seldom perfect and that we’re all human. We’re allowed to feel sad, frustrated and angry, what’s important is that we don’t hide our feelings, and instead process them in a healthy way.
2. Stay Healthy
Holiday celebrations mean that there’s always lots of food and alcohol around. It also makes us less motivated to get to the gym. However, staying healthy during the holidays should be a priority.
Make sure you don’t let your fitness regimen fall by the wayside. Instead, make it a priority.
While the occasional indulgence is fine, be careful about overdoing it on treats and alcohol. The resulting mood swings can be bad for your health and in turn bad for your sense of self.
3. Give with Purpose
Over the holidays we’re inundated with requests to make charitable donations. There’s nothing wrong with giving something back, but make sure that you’ve accounted for it in your budget.
Instead of giving a few dollars out here and there, make specific donations to causes you care about before the end of the year. You’ll get the joy of giving, and you’ll be able to deduct it from your taxes in the coming year.
If you want to contribute without spending money, offer to volunteer. You’ll get first-hand experience with causes you care about, and you’ll appreciate what you have all the more.
4. Stick to Your Spending Plan
The most important thing you can do to survive the holiday season is to create a spending plan and stick to it.
When you know how much you should spend, and how you plan to spend it, you can stay on track.
Don’t have a spending plan? That’s why we created the Ultimate Holiday Budget Spreadsheet.
This incredible resource allows you to set a holiday budget that fits your income, and lets you plan all your holiday expenses before the start of the season. It also provides you with an easy to use holiday shopping planner that allows you to track the cost of every gift before you visit the store. That way, you’re less tempted to buy things that aren’t on your budget.
The holidays are often painted as the most joyful time of the year—a season filled with family gatherings, warm meals, and timeless traditions. While all of this can be true, it’s equally important to acknowledge the other side of the holiday season. Along with the cheer often comes stress, financial strain, and the pressure to meet expectations, whether from family, friends, or even ourselves. Many people find themselves caught between wanting to create the “perfect holiday” and the reality of limited budgets, busy schedules, and emotional ups and downs.
One of the healthiest ways to approach the season is by releasing the pressure to make everything perfect. Holidays don’t need to be flawless to be meaningful. Allowing yourself to feel a full range of emotions—whether it’s happiness, sadness, or stress—can help you process the season in a healthier way. Too often, people bury their true feelings and try to cover them with excessive shopping or “retail therapy.” While spending money might bring temporary comfort, it can also create financial regret once the holidays are over. By accepting imperfection, you can focus on genuine connections and moments that truly matter.
Another key element of surviving the holidays is maintaining your health and well-being. With countless parties, family meals, and tempting treats, it’s easy to slip into habits that leave you feeling sluggish and drained. Making small but consistent efforts—like sticking to an exercise routine, getting enough sleep, and being mindful of alcohol intake—can help you feel balanced. Indulging in a few festive treats is natural, but moderation is what allows you to enjoy the season without the guilt or physical crash afterward. Good health also boosts your mood, making it easier to enjoy time with loved ones.
Financial pressure is one of the biggest sources of holiday stress. From buying gifts to making donations, the season often encourages overspending. That’s why giving with purpose is so important. Instead of scattering small donations or buying random last-minute gifts, think intentionally about where your money will have the most impact. Supporting a cause close to your heart or giving a thoughtful, well-planned gift can be far more meaningful than spending impulsively. And giving doesn’t always have to involve money—donating your time through volunteering can provide deep personal fulfillment and remind you of the true spirit of the season.
Equally essential is having a clear plan for your holiday expenses. A spending plan is not about limiting joy—it’s about protecting your financial stability while still celebrating meaningfully. Knowing how much you can afford, and mapping out how it will be spent, prevents the anxiety that comes with maxed-out credit cards or regretful purchases. Planning ahead also gives you the freedom to shop smart, compare prices, and avoid last-minute spending traps. With tools like holiday budgeting spreadsheets, you can stay in control, ensuring that your generosity and celebrations don’t turn into long-term financial burdens.
At the end of the day, surviving the holidays isn’t just about getting through them—it’s about finding a balance between joy and responsibility. When you give yourself permission to embrace imperfection, prioritize health, give with intention, and manage your finances wisely, you’ll discover that the season becomes less about stress and more about genuine connection. The holidays should be about cherishing loved ones, creating memories, and welcoming the new year with peace of mind.
Want to create a budget for after the holidays?
Schedule a free counseling session today or call us at 800-920-2262.
