The costumes are back in the attic, the pumpkins are on the compost heap, and the kids have only just finished the last of the trick-or-treating stash. That can only mean one thing… Christmas is creeping up. Slowly at first, then all at once.
And while the twinkly lights, cosy nights and festive cheer are lovely, let’s be honest. The cost of Christmas can be enough to send your stress levels through the roof. Between gifts, decorations, nights out, food, drink, Secret Santas, charity raffles, and topping up the oil tank before the big freeze, it adds up fast.
Every year, I hear from people who say they wish they had started earlier. The thing is, you don’t need to start in July. You just need to start now. November is the perfect time to get ahead of the madness. You still have time. You can still plan. And you can absolutely make a difference to how December feels financially.
Start with this: what does Christmas actually cost you? Not what you ‘think’ it costs, but a real, honest look at the whole thing. Make a list of everything that usually comes up. Include presents, food, travel, nights out, the tree, new pyjamas, matching mugs, charity donations, the school play, and the extra childcare days when crèche or school closes. Then ask yourself: what can I afford this year, and what can I trim?
Once you have your total, break it down. Let’s say your full Christmas spend comes to around €1,000. If you start now and put aside €75 a week for the next eight weeks, you’ll save €600 – enough to take care of most of your presents or food costs. Even if you can’t reach the full amount, every bit makes a difference. €40 a week would still give you over €300 by Christmas, which could easily cover all the food or the kids’ gifts. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about easing the financial pressure before December hits.
This is also the time to look at what you already have. Take a look in your press. Is there leftover wrapping paper from last year? Any unopened gift sets you could re-use or re-gift? You would be surprised what’s hiding in the hot press or under the stairs.
Now, before you start shopping, make a list. Who are you buying for? What do they actually want or need? Is there a gift limit with family or a Secret Santa agreement with work? Agree budgets early. Set limits that feel realistic and stick to them. And if someone suggests not doing presents at all this year, consider saying yes.
The biggest drain on finances in December often comes from impulse spending. The extra few bits you throw in the trolley. The last-minute voucher you buy because you forgot about the postman. The outfit you panic-buy for a party. These things add up quietly and quickly.
One thing I always recommend is having a separate Christmas account. If you have online banking, you can usually set up an extra savings pot in minutes. Call it ‘Christmas Fund’ and transfer into it weekly. Even €20 or €30 tucked away from now on can give you a sense of control and comfort when things start getting busy.
Another idea? Spread out the shopping. You do not need to wait until December to start. Picking up one or two gifts each week is far less painful than trying to cover it all at once. If you are buying online, keep an eye out for deals and free shipping offers. But remember, just because something is on sale does not mean you need to buy it. Stick to the list. The future you will be grateful.
And if you have children, this is a great chance to set realistic expectations. You do not have to give in to every single request. Santa does his best, but he has a lot of families to visit. Talk to them about making a list, choosing their favourites, and understanding that Christmas is about more than just gifts. The joy of the season is not measured by the number of things under the tree.
There is no shame in saying no. No to the extra night out, the overpriced matching pyjamas, the must-have gadget. You are allowed to protect your peace and your pocket. And you are not a bad parent, friend, partner or colleague for choosing what is right for your budget.
If you are worried about how to manage it all, you are not alone. Many families feel the squeeze in the final months of the year. A quick chat with a financial advisor can help you find clarity and confidence. We can help you set a budget, plan your spending, and figure out how to avoid that dreaded January panic.
So, as the fairy lights start to twinkle and the festive songs creep into the radio playlists, take a deep breath. Christmas can be joyful and warm without breaking the bank. Start where you are. Use what you have. And give yourself the gift of a plan.
